“Are you coming with me?” she asks pointedly. “No, I’m staying out here and—” “Then so will I,” she insists. “I won’t sit and wait to learn of your fate, Kai.” I cup her face, urging her to understand. “Please, Pae, don’t fight me—” A screeching roar echoes all around us, drowning out every other sound. I’m suddenly being pushed to the ground, Paedyn’s body rolling over mine. We tumble across the deck, narrowly escaping the beast’s slamming body.
