“Jayden… listen to me.” Emric’s voice was weak, broken. Half his body lay sprawled on the ground, his breath ragged, his skin deathly pale. Sweat glistened on his forehead as he reached out a trembling hand.

Jayden stumbled forward, collapsing beside him. He grabbed Emric’s hand, gripping it tightly.

“Hold on,” Jayden urged. “I’m not leaving you behind. We came here together—we *leave* together.”

Emric’s fingers twitched, his strength fading fast. He ...