Clark is shaken more than he probably ever has been, and he holds onto her tightly, reassuring himself that this is real and she's really there. He can feel the phantom echo of their bond being cut off, persisting in memory, even though he can feel her now. He never wants to go through that again.

But he, too, fixes angry eyes on Drusilla, and steps forward towards her. "No. If we need to jump through hoops to get what we came for, fine. But you won't split us up. Not again."