I nodded, though my legs felt like water. "The potion Luna Mara gave me—it's suppressing Star. I can't shift, can't heal quickly."
Jackson's expression darkened. "I know. I can feel it through our bond. Like a void where you should be."
"You too?" I asked, remembering Maison's similar words. "You both keep mentioning this bond, but—"
A distant shout echoed through the cavern, cutting me off. Jackson's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness.
"They're coming," he whispered, gripping my arm. "This way."
He led me along a narrow path that followed the river, moving with a confidence that suggested he knew these caves. After several minutes of careful progress, we reached a small side tunnel almost hidden behind a rocky outcropping.
"In here," Jackson urged, usheri
