New plan, new goal.

He presses my hand against his chest, where the wound from the spear still gaps open, his beautiful Lifeblood making his skin glitter. If he doesn’t leave the Shell soon, he could very well die inside it. But I know him, and I know he won’t leave it—or me—until I’ve made my final decision.

I squeeze his hand with as much strength I can muster. “I’m coming...for you, Killian. Again.”

“Ten—”

I smile at him. “I pledge my life to...” I suck in a breath, knowing deep down it’s my last, and as I release it, I whisper, “Troika.”