Bastion shifts uneasily. “We didn’t plan for it.”
Raz’s eyes cut back to me. “And you, brother?”
I hesitate, but only for a breath. “We’ve always been more than warbound.”
Raz hums, satisfied. “About damn time one of you admitted it. Not all bonds are romantic. Some of the strongest never are.”
I nod once. “We still need you.”
“What for?”
“There’s a collar on her,” I say. “A choker. Magic woven so tight it bleeds her strength dry. Preparing her for the false bond. If Zepharion succeeds, she’ll be his puppet. His queen. We need to break it.”
“And you think I can?”
“Iknowyou can.”
Raz leans back, eyes narrowing. “You went to Father first, didn’t you?”
I scoff. “He stayed neutral. As always.”
“Coward.”
“Manipulator,” I counter flatly.
Raz smirks faintly. “Semantics.”
He crosses his arms again, jaw hardening as he thinks. Shadows ripple faintly across his skin, restless.
“If I step into Hell again, I could lose everything I’ve built,” he says at last. “Lucifer will sense me the second I cross. If he finds me?—”
“I know,” I cut in. My voice cracks sharper than I intend. “I know the risk. I know what I’m asking.”
He studies me. And for once, I let him see it. The frayed edges. The desperation. The bone-deep ache I’ve hidden beneath iron and fury.
“I wouldn’t ask,” I murmur, low and raw. “If I didn’t need you. I need my brother.”
Raz exhales like it hurts. “Nowyou’rebeing manipulative.”
“I know.”
“Pulling the brother card. That’s low.”
“Iamyour brother.”
“Doesn’t mean I have to like you.”
A rough laugh escapes me, humorless but real. “But you do.”
He groans, dragging a hand down his face. “Gods, you were always the worst at this.”
“Raz—please.”
He stills. His eyes lift to mine.
“Say it again.”
I swallow hard. “Please. Help me. I’ll owe you.”
