“No!”

Even brainwashed Joss can’t bear to see Romeo hurt. He has abilities—speed and strength. His altered memories tell him that he’s had them all his life, and he uses them now.

Some months ago, on a different world and in a different life, Joscelin had pushed Romeo away from danger and taken the damage himself, fatally. This time, at least it isn’t that bad. He shoves his friend out of the way as a large hunk of plaster and brick siding shears off a crumbling wall, striking Joscelin on his head and right shoulder. He falls under its weight, knocked unconscious. Blood seeps out from under his dark, curly hair, but it’s not as bad as it looks.

After all, this place has given him another ability: a healing factor.