"Okay," Tasha whispered. "It's okay now."
Her nimble fingers brushed the fresh dirt of Niyx's shallow grave. She'd watched Alex bury him and watched her spirit away. Hours had passed. Tasha had lost track of how many.

Her pale hands trembled as she formed a golden bubble with them. Tears welled and spilled, splattering on the soil.

She loved Niyx with everything she had. And if that meant saving him from a grisly death . . . well . . .

The bubble spun, gathering momentum and increasing in size. It was as tall as Tasha now. It kept growing.

Hold on, Niyx. Don't cross the border yet.

I'm coming for you.