*The Broken Stones*

Wolves dragged the wounded to the rear.

Crystal still knelt beside Ryder, her palms pressed firmly against the wound in his ribs. Her flames flickered weakly around her fingers, sealing blood vessels. The world around her was blurred----only the slow, stubborn rise of Ryder's chest mattered.

Ryder's golden eyes cracked open just enough to find hers. "I'm... still here," he rasped.

She choked on a wet laugh, tears streaking her stained cheeks. ...