The moment the blade pierced Malakai's chest and his life faded from his eyes, the heavy suffocating weight that had hung over me for months finally broke. I let go of the hilt, stepping back as a profound silence settled over the ritual clearing.
I took a deep breath, resting my hand against my temple as I opened the mind-link across the vast distance.
Demetrius... it's over. He's dead.
His response came through instantly. Where are you? I can't find you!
I'm safe, I sent back quickly, keeping my voice as calm as possible to settle his racing heart. I'm with Alpha Colt at the old ritual spot. Malakai tried to drag me into a portal, but I redirected the coordinates. I'm going to teleport back in just a second.
A heavy, shuddering breath vibrated through the link from his end. Thank Go
