Stumbling past her wielded barricade, Roxanne limped toward the wall, seeking shelter. Another pain ripped through her left side, leaving a searing trail of agony in its wake. She fell to her knees, hissing through clenched teeth as warmth gushed from the new injury.
A hand closed around her arm and pulled her up. Effrax was there, wielding fire to keep the shadows at bay.
“Help the others. I can handle myself,” she informed him weakly as she sagged against him.
“No offense, Tigress, but you can’t. Not in that state.” He tightened his grip around her and awkwardly shifted the crutch between them so it wasn’t digging into her ribs. “I’ve got you. You’re safe.”
Her heart fluttered at the words, though she didn’t believe them. Qersyon was teeming with shadowbeasts. Black shadows were seep
