We dashed across the square, my hand clasped in Cora's, adrenaline propelling me forward despite my lack of strength. Debris and smoke swirled around us. The humans, having learned of the prince's death, were pressing their advantage, shelling the city center relentlessly. They knew Sinclair was regrouping and aimed to inflict maximum damage.

My eyes were fixed on the temple steps ahead, but for a moment, my thoughts drifted to my mate.

I knew with absolute certainty he was responsible for the prince's death. He wouldn't have let anyone else deliver the final blow—it was vengeance, and it was his. But the photograph of the prince on the boardroom table… it looked like it had been taken in the palace. My gaze flicked to the palace to my right—was Sinclair inside?

We were mere feet from the temple steps, but I had to try.

I tugged at the bond connecting me to that deep place within my ribcage.

"Dominic?" I called, my inner voice breathless with hope. My wolf nipped excitedly, anxious to be with him, to smell him.

Heart pounding, Cora and I reached the steps, our footfalls echoing my frantic rhythm. Cora ascended two at a time, pulling me up until we reached the clear, empty marble expanse at the temple entrance. Miraculously, the temple remained untouched by the human fire. Perhaps the Goddess had shielded it for us.

"Are you ready?" Cora asked, panting. "Do you know what to do?"

I nodded, but couldn't resist glancing back at the palace.

"What?" she demanded, following my gaze. "What is it?"

"Sinclair," I breathed, studying the façade, desperate for a glimpse. "Ella!" My sister shouted, shaking me gently. "Pay attention! We have work to do, and little time to do it!"

"I think he's in there," I confessed, tears welling in my eyes. "Cora, if I have a chance to say goodbye—"

Her face contorted with rage. She shook me harder. "No, Ella!" she yelled, her voice desperate and angry. "No! You are the daughter of a Goddess; you will not die in the deliverance of her gift!"

I met her gaze, shocked by her passion, then nodded, fervently believing. I had to believe it, or I wouldn't survive. I placed my hands on my stomach, reaching for the weakening bond with my baby. I poured my strength into that bond, telling him how much I loved him, how I couldn't wait to meet him, how we would live.

Cora, sensing what I was doing, allowed me this moment. When I opened my eyes, my gaze steeled, she nodded and turned to the square. I took her hand and closed my eyes.

I slowed my breathing, seeking the state I'd found in the desert under the moon, when my mother had instructed me on delivering her gift. My heart rate slowed to a peaceful rhythm, my vision turning violet. I sank into myself, my wolf finding peace as well.

Then, I felt the tug—the one behind my ribcage, the one tied to him.

"Ella?"

Gasping, I cried out, "Dominic!" My eyes frantically searched the square.

"What?" Cora panted, looking around. "What is it? Is he here?"

"He's here," I breathed, still searching.

"Ella," she said sadly, "There's no time. People are dying."

"I know," I replied, closing my eyes and setting my jaw. "I'll press on."

It was a lie. I couldn't do this without speaking to him. Dominic! I shouted mentally. My wolf raised her nose, searching for his scent. Where are you?

Here, he cried, and I felt his anxiety, love, pleasure, and terror. I'm in the palace—working—where are you? I'll come find you. You've got to get inside.

NO, I replied fervently. Dominic, there's something I have to do.

Goddess stuff? He asked, humor in his tone. I smirked.

Yeah, I responded, Goddess stuff.

Are you safe? Are you okay?

I'm weak, baby. But I have to do this. I was born to do this.

His voice became a warning. My wolf responded, eager to obey him, to trust him. Stop whatever you're doing—it's not worth it if you're weak.

Please, I said simply, letting him feel my strength, assurance, and need. Trust me, Dominic. I can do this. I'll come back to you. I'm strong. We're strong.

He paused. I felt his worry, dread, but also his belief in me.

All right, trouble, he responded. Do what you've got to do. But the minute you're done, I'm in charge.

Yes, Sir Big Alpha, I responded, letting him feel my sass. His laughter rumbled down our bond, strengthening me. One last thing, and then you're in charge.

He released me. I took a deep breath on the cold marble. I hadn't realized I needed that moment with him—it was the final piece. He was an intrinsic part of me, my journey. How could I do this without him? Together, we were complete.

I settled my hands on my stomach, keeping the bonds to my mate and child open, returning to my base state. My wolf settled, brushing her fur against those bonds.

It was time.

As my breath and heartbeat slowed, as my vision turned lavender, I opened my third bond—the one with my mother—and let her power fill me.