"Alaric!"
All four of them cried out his name at once, but there was no response. He was gone below.
Panic immediately flooded Violet's chest.
Her mate. He couldn't be gone just like that.
At once the wings behind her back unfurled completely. Violet beat them furiously, hoping to lift herself into the air before the quicksand swallowed her too.
The powerful flaps stirred the air around her, sending dust and loose debris skittering across the room. For a brief moment she rose slightly, enough to ignite hope in her chest.
Then she sank again.
Across the room, Angus stared at her wings with unconcealed fascination.
"Impressive," he admitted, watching the massive appendages stretch behind her.
There was something almost regretful in his voice. "Such a shame it had to turn out this way."
Unfortunately for Violet, it was kill or be killed. Angus had chosen the former.
