Breathing feels like lifting a boulder. I cough, my throat raw, my heartbeat pounding in my ears—until warmth spreads along my back.
I grow lighter.
I can breathe again.
The burning fades. My heart slows.
The crackling of the fire reaches me through the blanket. A hand rests on my back.
It’s fine. Just a nightmare.
I’m still at the camp. With my companions.
I open my eyes. My body feels numb. The night is still deep. I haven’t slept long.
?Thank you, Serena.?
Her hand traces slow circles.
?I heard your breathing change. Then you started coughing. Do you want some water??
I shake my head. My eyes feel unbearably heavy.
I need to sleep.
I don’t want to.
I don’t want to go back there.
?Do you want to tell me what you dreamed??
My throat dries again. I shake my head.
?Since the Rift opened… it feels like you’ve gone back to how you were five or six thousand years ago.?
Even two thousand years ago I wasn’t this tense.
Anxietas tormented me in the first years of my existence. And now I can’t stand him. I can’t stand anything.
I wish I could tell Serena that.
I can’t.
?I don’t want to be a burden.?
She strokes my hair. Silence settles between us.
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?Neither do I.?
I smile faintly.
?Serena… could you… help me sleep??
She squeezes my shoulder.
?Of course.?
I force my eyes closed against the firelight. My body remains tight, coiled—
Warmth spreads along my back.
My breathing slows.
Elio trembles inside his blanket.
I kneel and rest a hand on his shoulder. His eyes snap open. I see something gray slip from beneath the fabric before he hides it again.
?Elio. Let me see.?
He lowers his gaze and reveals two gray fingers streaked with black.
I pull back the blanket.
His entire arm is corrupted.
?We’re still within the window. Does it hurt? Do you feel anything??
I free his legs. He shakes his head.
I grip his shoulders and help him sit up.
?I… I hear a voice in my head. I’ve heard it all night.?
His arm twitches.
Better to leave his wrists bound.
I pull him to his feet and release him. He stays upright.
?What does it say??
I fold the blankets and toss them toward Serena.
Elio keeps his eyes down.
?Mina… what… what do you really think of me? Tell me the truth.?
Afraid of my judgment?
I step in front of him.
?Why would you think I judge you negatively??
His shoulders lift.
?You’re… kind of…?
When Anxietas plays his mental games with the corrupted, he doesn’t need proof. He just uses your vulnerabilities.
?I admit I’m not the most pleasant person right now. But I have nothing to criticize you for.?
He watches me, eyes narrowed.
?You’re sensitive. And brave. Getting hurt isn’t a fault. Once you’re trained, you’ll be a great help.?
His shoulders lower. His face softens.
?Elena entrusted you with that pouch for a reason.?
He nods.
I remove my cloak and place it over his shoulders.
?Be brave.?
He smiles.
Elio rests his head against my shoulder, hands bound to the saddle horn. I hold the reins in my left hand and press my right palm against his chest.
Come on, Elio.
Light spreads from my hand—and from his chest.
He gasps, eyes opening.
?Don’t… don’t you get tired using your powers so often??
I smile. Even in pain, he’s curious.
?It doesn’t depend on how tired I am. It depends on how much determination I have left. When I lose all hope… I’ll lose my strength as well.?
?Oh… has that ever happened? That you… couldn’t…??
If it happened a thousand years ago, I would have forgotten.
Black trunks. Suffocating branches. Gray mist in an endless silence.
My hands grow cold.
?Yes… once.?
I hope she doesn’t ask anything else.
A distant echo of screams reaches my ears.
Beyond a gentle slope, I catch sight of a small roof.
?Do you hear it too??
I turn around.
Gaia and Serena nod and push their horses into a faster trot. I urge my mare forward and tighten my grip on Elio as we follow them.
The slope draws closer.
A cluster of houses emerges from the green valley.
We all stop at the same time.
The dirt road between the farmhouses is filled with villagers fleeing.
Black blood.
Torments.
?Where the hell did they come from?? Gaia mutters.
For once, the question couldn’t be more appropriate.
They couldn’t have reached the coast through the gate I broke. Not before us, not when we’re on horseback.
First a Torment with magical abilities.
And this?
Something doesn’t add up.