Page 66 of The Starlit City (The Shifting Fae 2)

“I know,” Kelia said, her face taut in pain as she yelled and pulsed more power.

With one arm around Mab, I ran through the portal and immediately handed off Mab to Alisha.

“I have to go back,” I said and went to turn.

The darkthing broke out of Kelia’s hold and zoomed toward the portal. Kelia screamed and shot her power directly at the hive.

“No!” I yelled, knowing the moment she did that the entire ceiling would crumble on top of her.

Someone grabbed my arm and threw me away from the portal. I slammed into the ground.

“Close it!” the queen ordered, standing between the portal and me.

“Don’t!” I shouted, scrambling to my feet. “She’ll die!”

The portal winked out, my heart going with it.

Queen Merelda took Mab from Alisha. “We are at war, Callum. Not everyone survives.”