Quinlan and Black Fang burst out of the portal in one motion.
Black Fang hit the snow first, boots planting with a thud. Quinlan was still horizontal from the midair tackle he'd used to drag her through, his shoulder jammed against her stomach, and his arms wrapped around her slender waist.
The moment they crossed, his body folded forward. A line of blood slipped from his mouth and pattered onto her armor.
His arms stayed locked even tighter around her body as he forced himself onto his feet. Or tried to.
His balance broke immediately. His knees dipped, then buckled under him.
"That rabid dog is still this much stronger, huh… I might've underestimated her a bit… This was very risky," His voice came thin, strained.
Then his face contorted as another sting rolled up his ribs. "Lightning…"
The moment the word left his mouth, something about it felt weird. Too soft. Too heavy. As if… he'd have to investigate. But not now, because his legs gave out again.
