The clearing slowly stopped vibrating. The second rune burned hot on my palm, still fresh, still sharp, still sending little sparks of heat up my wrist. The world felt tilted. Like the air was heavier or the forest had dropped lower over us.
Everything ached. My knees shook when I tried to stand, and the ground wavered under my boots.
Felix moved instantly.
“I have you,” he said, reaching for me.
Nathan slid between us so fast Felix almost collided with him. “No. I will carry her.”
Felix’s jaw clenched. “She is exhausted. Let me help her.”
Nathan looked at him like Felix had just suggested I walk barefoot into a corruption nest. “Move.”
Felix stepped into Nathan’s space. “She does not need you smothering her.”
Nathan’s voice dropped. “She does not need you using her exhaustion to p
