Bai Li looked at the bodies behind them.
All four creatures were finally still.
Three level 3 zombies.
One level 2 monster.
She had killed them all.
Yan Cijin had helped with every important opening.
Her crossbow bolts had slowed joints. Her bullets had broken concentration. Her shots had interrupted attacks Bai Li could not have safely ignored. The damage they had done was not dramatic compared with Whisperfang, but it had been exactly where it needed to be.
Bai Li glanced at her.
"Good shooting."
Yan Cijin looked surprised.
"Was that praise?"
"Yes."
"I should write that down."
Bai Li laughed softly.
"Do not get used to it."
The fruit pulsed again.
The golden glow reflected in both their eyes.
The barrier shrank once more.
Now they could see the outer edge of the tree's roots through it.
Bai Li felt the desire rise again.
Her throat became dry.
She wanted to cross.
Yan Cijin's breathing changed too.
Bai Li looked at her.
Yan Cijin looked back.
