Nate ran.
His breath came in deep, controlled bursts, his arms cradling Sera's limp body as his feet pounded against the rough ground, his enhanced speed propelling them forward through the darkness. He didn't look back. He didn't slow down. Not until the overwhelming sensation of something chasing him—something watching him—finally faded.
Only then did he allow himself to stop.
His body tensed as he scanned the surroundings, his heartbeat pounding in his ears, his muscles coiled and ready for any sign of pursuit. But there was nothing. No monstrous presence. No lingering sensation of unseen eyes boring into him. Just the heavy silence of the land around them.
Only then did he look down at the girl in his arms.
Sera felt… light.
Too light.
A frown crossed his face as he carefully lowered her to the ground, his hands steady but cautious. Something was wrong. He could feel it before he even saw it.
And then—
His eyes widened.
