Roshan's claws trembled with the effort of restraint.
Every instinct screamed to attack.
To tear through them all, consequences be damned.
To reach Faelyn and complete the bond and make her safe.
Roshan's mind: ฅᨐฅ'Can't leave her. Can't. Every fiber of my being is screaming to fight. To die here if necessary but at least die TRYING—'ฅᨐฅ
Nyx's hand on his shoulder—claws pricking skin in warning—grounded him.
Nyx's mind: ฅᨐฅ'We die here, she dies too. Bonds will kill her within days. Living to fight again is the only option. Hate it. But it's true.'ฅᨐฅ
Through the bond, Faelyn felt their internal war.
Desperation versus tactics.
Love versus survival.
Pride versus reality.
"Your choice, chiefs," Scar'oth continued, tone almost conversational. "Her life. Or your pride."
Karvesh's hand remained on Velryn's shoulder, a steadying presence.
"They'll choose her life," Karvesh said quietly. "Bonds ensure that. They're predictable."
