Emma rushed through the portal into the kitchen just as Luna collapsed.
"Luna!" Emma caught her daughter before she hit the floor. Luna's skin was turning gray, and her breathing was shallow.
"Mom," Luna whispered, "I can feel my life force draining away."
"It's the fake judge," Emma's father said, appearing beside them. "He's stealing power from everyone connected to you to break free completely."
Alex and Maya both stumbled, looking weak. Even Tommy was getting pale.
"How do we stop him?" Kael demanded, kneeling next to his wife and daughter.
Emma felt helpless. "I don't know!"
But then Luna grabbed Emma's hand with surprising strength. "Mom, remember what you taught me about choices?"
"What do you mean?"
"Sometimes the hardest choice is the right one," Luna said softly. "You need to become the Eternal Guardian now, not later."
"But if I leave, you might die!"
Luna smiled weakly. "If you don't leave, everyone will die. Make the choice, Mom."
