I blink through the haze and squint up at the figure pacing like a madwoman a few steps away. The dull gleam of silver catches my eye, her circlet. Her long white hair is a wild, tangled mess, and her hands are clenched into fists. Even in this wild state, she’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
“What…what happened?” I rasp.
“You nearly got yourselfkilled, that’s what happened!” she barks, throwing her hands up. “What were you thinking trying to fight that—that thing?!” She jabs a finger behind her. “You should haverun!”
I look around, squinting. We are no longer anywherenear the ruins. We are in a patch of half-submerged trees, the moonlight shining through branches, casting long, black shadows across the water. My body hurts in places I didn’t even know existed.
“…Where are we?” I manageto say.
“I dragged your half-dead body miles away from that gods-forsaken ruin while being chased by ademon, Koen! You’re welcome, by the way!”
I cough again. “...demon?”
Serenya spins on me, fury radiating from every inch of her. “Yes, a face-wearing demon thing. A mawless! Cloaked, tall, all bones and shadows. Oh, and...umm...let me think…it had Aren’s face! Do you not remember that part?!”
“…I thought I dreamed that.”
“Oh, no. That happened.” She turns and resumes pacing, faster now, water splashing around her with every step. “Iboundthe thing in shadowsjust long enough to get you out of there. You’re lucky I got to you in time! If I’d waited even a minute longer...”
My brows furrow as I watch her. “How did you even find me?”
She stops mid-step. She chews on her lower lip, hesitating for a moment like she can’t decide if she should answer.
“I sent one of my shadows with you,” she says finally. “Before you left. I told it to stay hidden and keep watch. I didn’t tell anyone. I just...”
I stare at her. “You sent a—wait…One of your shadows?”
“Yes,” she snaps. “And good thing I did! Because if I didn’t, you would be dead.Dead, Koen. You’re lucky I was even able to save you. After I treated my father this morning with my shadowlight—exhausting, by the way—and after using vaelshad—which uses more magic the greater the distance—and after flying gods know how far on the back of abarely stableshadowform, I didn’t have enough power left to fight that damned thing properly. Then I had to use what little magic I could muster up to remove the venom from your system. I’m honestly surprised I didn’t reach burnoutwith the amount of magic I had to use. So forgive me for not being in the mood for your usual reckless, idiotic, death-welcoming behavior!” she yells, her voice rising with each word.
I blink. “I didn’t realize you wereeverin the mood for it.”
She glares at me.
“Right,” I mutter. “Bad timing. Got it.” I lean back, wincing. “You should sit down. Catch your breath.”
“I’m fine,” she says, rubbing her temples.
“You’re clearly not,” I say. “You’re pacing like you want to tear your own hair out. Just sit.Breath.Calm down.”
She slowly turns to me, eyes blazing. “Did you just tell me to calm down?”
My stomach drops. “I—”
“I risked my magic, my position, andmy lifefor you,” she says, stalking toward me with narrowed eyes. “And you think I need tocalm down?”
I scramble to sit a little straighter, but the pain in my ribs makes me suck in a sharp breath. “Alright, alright. You’re right.That was…poorly phrased.”
“Poorly phrased?” she repeats, voice rising. “You are—”
She stops and exhales hard, like she is trying to rein her anger back in. Her jaw clenches, and her shoulders sag under an invisible weight.
“Why?” I ask softly. “Why did you…?”
She looks away.
“I don’t understand,” I go on. “These trials aresupposedto be dangerous. So why does it matter to you if I get hurt? Or even die?”
She doesn’t answer. Doesn’t move.
