MAXINE

I gasped awake to arms shaking me. My eyes frantically look around and I see Liam. He helps me sit up as I pant, covered in sweat.

"Shit, you scared me." He said with an exhale. He and Alaric are crouched next to me.

"How did it go?" Alaric asked peering at me with those golden eyes of his.

I heard the artifact's voice re-echo in my head, answering the question I had asked. "I only stay where I'm welcome."

"We tried to get the artifact's energy out of you. I think it almost ...