Adrien.
I panicked the instant she fell to the ground before me.
One moment she was standing there, fragile but upright, and the next her body crumpled as if the strength had been ripped out of her. The world tilted violently, sound rushing out of my ears as fear slammed into my chest. I didn't think, I couldn't. Instinct took over as I caught her before her head could strike the floor, her weight light in my arms yet heavy with consequence.
Her skin was scorching.
Panic tightened its grip around my throat as I carried her swiftly to my chambers, every step urgent, every breath shallow. She felt too hot, unnaturally so, and it terrified me. I laid her gently on my bed, brushing damp strands of hair away from her face, my hands trembling despite my effort to stay calm.
She was burning up.
