Kane's nostrils flared as Cyrus's familiar scent cut through the chemical haze clouding his thoughts.
His golden eyes flickered between rage and relief, nine silver tails lashing with agitation.
Silver foxfire erupted around his claws as conflicting emotions tore through him.
Kane's consciousness remained trapped beneath layers of artificial enhancement, watching helplessly as his transformed body prepared to strike the one person he needed most.
Cyrus saw the war raging behind those molten eyes.
Without hesitation, he spread his arms wide, crimson energy unfurling in a protective dome around them both.
The dragon aura shimmered like heated air, containing Kane's chaotic power while shielding them from the collapsing facility.
"I'm here now," Cyrus murmured, stepping closer despite the foxfire licking at his skin.
"I'm not leaving you."
Kane's body trembled. Their soul-bond sang with recognition and desperate need.
