The plea hit him harder than he expected. Against his nature, Arthur froze, jaw tightening as her words anchored him in place.
Then, almost instinctively, he pulled her trembling body into his arms, hoping the press of her warmth against him would steady his own pulse and somehow ease the torment tearing through her.
Minutes crawled by. Five… ten… until finally, the blinding glow began to soften. With it, the searing pain lacing through her body dulled to something bearable.
Arthur's eyes snapped open the moment the brightness dimmed to safe levels. He quickly but gently pushed her backwards to have a good look at her, vision adjusting.
And then, he froze.
Nnenna was staring back at him weirdly, sweat dripping down her face but her gaze steady.
"What—" he began, confusion rough in his throat.
"Stay back." she cut him off when she recovered from the awkward moment, pushing herself backward, her hand shooting out in warning.
