"You're the … bait, Dusty," Sofi continued. "And you, Jule. And you, Damian." Her heart hurt at the words from her vision. The images passed through her thoughts again. "I know if you all stay with us, we will have less of a chance than if we're separated."
There was another long moment before any of them could talk.
"Sofi, this is insane," Dusty said. "You can't expect us just to leave."
"It won't happen," Damian said firmly, golden eyes flashing. "I'm sorry, Sofi, but no."
"It must, Damian," she replied. "If it doesn't, we are all lost. This much I can See."
"And if we do leave?" Jule pressed. "We all live?"
"I don't know."
"We could be dead either way," Dusty pointed out. "One way definitely, another way, maybe."
"It's all dependent on Darian. And Jenn," she said. "Darian has to leave his past behind, or we're all screwed."
"There's nothing we can do?" Jule asked.
"No," she replied. "Except to pretend like you don't know what's up and go on about your duties."
"I can't believe there's nothing we can do," Dusty said and rose. "I can't leave Bianca knowing she's in danger!"
"She's in more danger with you here," Sofi said. She turned to Damian. If her mate went, the others would follow. "Damian, please. Trust me."
He studied her features and touched her face with tenderness. His hand went to her belly, where their son grew. She saw the emotion in his eyes, even as he nodded slowly.
"I trust you, kiri." His husky voice sent shivers through her body. "If you believe this is the only way …"
"I do," she said and took his hand, squeezing. "It's not something I'd ask of you otherwise. I can't See any other solution. If you three stay, you'll bring us all danger."
"Then I'll go."
She smiled, honored he'd listen to a message that went against every part of who he was while desperately wishing she could be more assured about the outcomes she Saw. There were too many paths and factors, though all seemed to lead to one of two futures. Neither was ideal, but one would see them all surviving.
Dusty sighed.
"Should I pretend this is the last day of my life?" Jule asked, frowning.