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I breathed, the pain was unbearable. The demon poison burned through my blood but Bryn was there through the bond.

“Tell me you're both safe.”

“We're safe.”

“Again.”

“We're safe, Viking.” My breathing steadied.

“We're home. Guards everywhere. I'm with Runa, Layla and Sorcha.”

“Good.”

“And we're waiting for you.”

“I know.”

“You promised.”

“I remember.”

“You said you'd always come back.”

“I will.”

“Then come home.” I opened my eyes. Draugr was staring toward the growing light. Lucien had his phone out, barking orders for vehicles. Volken hadn't moved. My brother was still holding me together with his bare fucking hands.

“Viking?”

“I'm here.”

“I love you.” The bond exploded with everything I felt for her, with everything I couldn't say, everything she had changed inside me. I sent it all.

“I fucking love you too.”

“Then come home to me.”

“Always.” The call ended as my hand dropped. For several seconds, nobody spoke. Then Volken slapped the side of my face, hard. My eyes snapped open.

“What the fuck?”

“You were fading.”

“Slap me again and I'll kill you.” Relief flashed across his face.

“There he is.”

Lucien crouched beside me. “Vehicles are coming.”

“How long?”

“Three minutes.”

“Sun?”

“Seven.”

Fuck. Draugr looked toward the warehouse entrance. The surviving demons had regrouped outside, maybe we had fifteen men with us, maybe twenty because our numbers had been cut badly and dawn was coming.