FIA (A few hours ago)
The hallway outside the infirmary felt cooler than the room we'd just left. I sucked in a breath and tried to steady myself. My legs weren't cooperating the way they should. Each step took more effort than it had any right to.
Ronan's arm was solid under my hand. I leaned into him more than I wanted to admit. The exhaustion had settled into my bones like lead. Everything ached. My wound throbbed with a dull persistence that made my teeth clench.
Elara walked ahead of us. Her posture was rigid. Alert. Like she expected something to jump out at us from the shadows. Madeline trailed slightly behind. I could feel her presence without looking. It made the space between my shoulder blades itch.
We'd made it maybe ten feet when I heard footsteps behind us. Quick. Purposeful.
I turned. Too fast. The world tilted sideways and I grabbed Ronan's arm harder. He steadied me without comment.
