The forest felt heavier the closer they got to the border, like the trees themselves were holding their breath. I stumbled, catching myself against Reule’s side. He didn’t hesitate to loop an arm around my waist and kept me moving without missing a step.

“You sure you’re not dead?” 

Landon muttered ahead of us, tossing a smirk over his shoulder.

“Feels like it,” I rasped, trying to match his grin.

Reule shot Landon a glare sharp enough to slice ...