Chapter 0811
J-jacks? Ariel’s voice whispers, desperate and unbelieving. Are you real? Am I imagining you?

A sob breaks from Jackson’s throat as he falls to his knees. Ari, he says to her, his mental voice shaking, I’m coming

Baby, she says, the word short and scared. Sweetheart, don’t – they’ll kill you –

I’ll fucking kill them! He shouts back.

Ridiculously – absurdly – wonderfully – she laughs. Jackson groans when he hears it, even just in his mind, his hand shaking as he raises it to cover his eyes.

Don’t, Ari says again. Please – baby, I love you so much – just…stay close, okay? It’s too dangerous right now. I don’t know what’s happening and we need a plan. We need –

But suddenly her words cut off. Jackson groans as he feels the protective magic slamming down over the castle, knowing that it’s gone.