Vale's POV
"They're all captured," I whispered, feeling Dante's pain burn through my chest like fire.
Vincent's smile got wider. "Did you really think I'd let them escape? I've been planning this for months."
Through the horrible connection, I could feel Papa's terror and Dante's fury. Adrian's cold anger. Even Kieran's usual confidence was cracking under whatever Vincent was doing to them.
"What do you want?" I asked, struggling to stand despite the waves of pain washing over me.
"Simple," Vincent replied. "Your complete surrender. Your magic. Your life."
"And if I refuse?"
Vincent made a gesture, and suddenly Papa's agony spiked so high I screamed. Through the connection, I felt him convulsing in pain somewhere far away.
"Stop!" I begged. "Please, I'll do anything!"
"Anything?" Vincent asked. "Good. Then—"
"Wait."
Zephyr stepped between us, his golden eyes burning with dragon fire.
"You want the Moon Child?" Zephyr said calmly. "You'll have to go through me first."
