Cam followed her out of the cell with his head spinning. Not from dehydration, but rather because his world was collapsing all around him. His brain couldn’t process what she just said and he struggled to even find words.<br/><br/>“Wha… what are you talking about? You want me to… leave… without you?” he asked, frowning. As soon as she opened the back door he stopped walking, forcing her to turn and look at him. His expression was intense as he stood his ground with clenched fists.<br/><br/>“No, I’m not going. I’ve been looking for you my whole life! I’m not going to just walk away… don’t you see? We were meant for each other. I… I love you…” he added. His angry expression collapsed into a look of intense loss. His hands unclenched and reached out for her. “Please… please…” he started, before suddenly looking behind her.<br/><br/>Right at that moment one of the King’s Guard stepped through the open portal, a handgun in one hand and a syringe in the other. Before anything could be said the needle was plunged into Mare’s arm, which in turn delivered a powerful sedative.<br/><br/>Stunned, Cam was frozen in place as he tried to process what was happening.<br/><br/>“Good work, Mackenzie,” the guard said – apparently he knew Cam. “Don’t worry, you’ll still get your reward.”<br/><br/>“Nooooooooooooooo!” Cam yelled as he jumped forward to catch her as she collapsed. “Mare this isn’t what it looks like… I swear…” he said, even though it was clear she was losing consciousness. “Mare… Mare!” he shouted hopelessly.