The basement was quiet in the way only old stone could be—thick walls, warded beams, the low hum of magic settling into place.
The portal ring glowed faintly at Luca’s feet.
He didn’t rush it.
Sienna stood at the bottom of the stairs, one hand resting on the railing, the other unconsciously over her abdomen. She watched him the way mates did when they knew something mattered—no panic, no questions yet. Just attention.
“I’m opening a portal,” Luca said calmly. “South Dakota.”
Her eyes sharpened, but she didn’t interrupt.
“The mate link may weaken while I’m gone,” he continued. “Not break. Just… thin. I don’t want you to feel it and think something’s wrong.”
Sienna nodded once. “How long?”
“Not long,” he said. “Long enough to speak freely.”
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Do
