Vale's POV
"Ten seconds," the Devourer repeated, its shadow form looming over us all.
I looked around at everyone who would die if I didn't act. Papa, barely able to stand. Mom, unconscious from Kosmar's attack. Dante, Adrian, Zephyr, and Kieran - all wounded and exhausted from protecting me. Sara, so young and full of potential. Luna, who had guided me through everything.
Even the supernatural leaders who wanted to steal my power looked terrified now. They'd come for political gain, not to face something that could consume an entire city.
"Vale, no," Dante said, reading my expression. "Don't even think about it."
But I was already thinking about it. Already planning.
"I'll go willingly," I announced to the Devourer.
"VALE!" Papa tried to grab me, but he was too hurt to move quickly.
"Eight seconds," the Devourer said, ignoring the protests around us.
"There's one condition," I continued, walking toward the creature on shaking legs.
