Being the one who created the Bond, your magic is serving as an anchor. I told you, as you improved so did he. As you grew stronger, you had more to give—” “So he’ll be all right?” Halle interrupted, too eager to let Elecia finish. “I didn’t say that.” The other woman’s words were a knife to Halle’s chest. “But, I-I’m better,” Halle sputtered uselessly. “No, you’re far from it.” Elecia spared no truths. “You’re barely healed, and sustaining him put you out an extra day—at least—compared to what your body truly demanded to mend. One person can’t sustain two: you’re not strong enough.” “He will be fine.” Halle wouldn’t believe anything else. “You haven’t seen him!” Elecia spat. “I’m doing all I can, but our supplies are diminishing. He’s weak and fading—at best, I’m maintaining his sta

