I materialized back in the ruined house, space folding around me like a closing book as the Grey deposited me exactly where I'd left my family. The stones bore scorch marks from Cardinal Akasha's assault, and debris littered the floor where walls had been torn apart by vampiric fury.
But Luna and Reika were safe.
My daughter sat huddled against Reika's side, her small form trembling as she clutched the purple butterfly toy I'd given her. When she saw me appear, her dark eyes lit up with relief so profound it made my chest tighten.
"Daddy!" Luna scrambled to her feet and ran toward me, her arms outstretched.
I knelt down to catch her, a smile spreading across my face as the last of my protective fury dissolved into pure paternal love. The Grey power still hummed beneath my skin like liquid starlight, but seeing Luna safe and unharmed made everything else fade into insignificance.
"I'm here, sweetheart," I murmured as she crashed into my arms. "Everything's going to be—"
