Margaret’s POV
A piercing scream tore from my throat as I watched her crumple face-first onto the ground. My legs moved before my mind caught up, rushing to her side. My heart hammered so violently in my chest I thought it might burst. Not her. Please, goddess, not her beautiful face… not her life.
I called her name again and again, but there was no response. Panic threatened to consume me. Malena was supposed to return and finish her rituals—what was I to do if she didn’t? I couldn’t drag Lucy back to her house in this state.
I lowered myself to the ground, stretching out my legs, and gently lifted her head into my lap. Her skin was slick with sweat, damp strands of hair clinging to her forehead. She looked so small, so fragile. My hands trembled as I fanned her, desperate to cool her
