Zerxus knows what this means, now, and for a moment he's caught between reaching for Evandrin and reassuring Laerryn - but then Evandrin grasps for his hand and that's all that matters.

He's ginger at first, careful not to squeeze too hard, but then -

It didn't matter, before. It didn't matter how fiercely and desperately he held on to his husband. That doesn't stop him from trying, even if there's no magic left to surge through the connection.

"I'm here." It's a strained, almost broken murmur, and he feels his stomach drop when Evandrin confirms what's happening.

"How - how badly?"