Hunt races over to me, l*****g my face as I support myself on all fours. It’s as if I have just sat on the redwood throne. My body trembles and aches. Exhaustion clouds my vision.
“You killed him!” Aria screams. “My love, my love…” Her words devolve into sobs. I’m not sure if she stops talking, or if my mind stops paying attention to her—focusing instead on keeping me conscious.
I really was made to bring life, and not death. Even using the latter as a method to achieve equilibrium demands a high toll. Waves of magic roll within me like a choppy sea and I sway slightly. I’m slimy all over, slick with sweat, as if my body is trying to expunge the uncomfortable sensation of making the earth barren.
“Allorah—”
“I’m fine,” I say as Elmir kneels next to me. I look up at him and then back at
