Tyler slammed his fists into the ground, fire erupting around him in a searing circle. The earth groaned under the force, cracks spreading outward like veins. He roared, the sound raw, his frustration drowning out every rational thought. Sophia was gone, dragged away before his eyes, and he’d failed to stop it.Gabriel’s voice crackled over the communicator lodged in Tyler’s earpiece. “Tyler, do you copy? Maya says the portal collapsed. What’s the situation?”“Get me back!” Tyler growled, standing amidst the scorched earth. His flames flickered wildly, uncontrolled. “She’s been taken.”“By who?” Gabriel’s tone sharpened, urgency lacing his words.Tyler took a deep breath, forcing the fire back into submission. He scanned the empty void around him. The towering creature he’d fought moments ago was gone, leaving nothing but a faint residue of dark energy. “I don’t know yet. But I’m going to find out.”“You need to return first,” Maya cut in. “Whatever plane you’re in won’t hold you for