Stripped of Armor
The embers in the stone hearth died down to dull red dots.
The freezing air in the library vault grew sharp and heavy. My toes went completely numb inside my leather boots.
Beside me, Cassian began to shiver.
At first, I thought he was just cold. But then his whole massive body started to shake violently under the heavy dark wool cloak.
I turned my head to look at him in the dark. His head rested back against the cold stone wall. His jaw was clenched so hard I could hear his teeth grinding together.
I reached out my hand and pressed my palm against his cheek. His skin was burning hot, but sweat was dripping down his neck in freezing cold drops.
"Cassian?" I whispered, pulling the heavy cloak higher up his chest. "What is wrong with you?"
He let out a low, ragged b
