Magdalene felt pain wash over her in relentless waves—an icy fire that churned in her veins. She teetered on the edge of consciousness as Maddox carried her through the dense Valecliff woods, one arm under her legs, the other bracing her back. Each step jolted fresh agony through her shoulder, and she bit her lip until her teeth grazed her tongue.
Cassian walked beside them, his blade still dripping, eyes darting into every darkened glade.
“Poison’s moving faster,” he murmured. “She’s on fire.”
Maddox didn’t respond. His steps didn’t falter. “We’re close,” he promised.
“Where?” she managed to whisper, voice barely there.
Maddox met her gaze, resolve etched on his face. “An old hidden outpost. Only a handful know its location.”
She closed her eyes but managed a soft, “Convenient.”
He
