I closed my eyes tightly and then opened them. He was still standing there with one hand on the doorframe to prop himself up. And then, his arm suddenly gave way and he collapsed onto the ground.

“Erylis!” I shouted.

We all raced to him. Leo tucked his arms underneath his friend’s frame and hoisted him up, using himself as leverage. He brought him to the couch and laid him down.

Leo looked to Orene. "Get Sylvie," he demanded.

Orene ...