7. Tori

Iwoke to the pale light of morning streaming into the cave. Despite the humid air, I shivered. I tried to fall back asleep and will my mind back to him, but it was too late. The day had claimed me in its cruel clutches.

Iplaced my hands on his side, the chill of him penetrating into the skin of my palms. I reached down into the earth, finding the magic easily. I guided it through my body and willed it into him with every fiber of my being. I helped Jun; maybe I could help him. It was futile. The magic wouldn't cross over into him. The shadow of death clung to him and prevented my efforts. It differed from the shadows of Jun's mind. These were darker than the void that had formed everything, something no light, no life could cross.

Before, the magic had felt like a river, a flow that molded and changed within my body. I shaped that amorphous power into a hard and sharp sword. I struck that dark barrier over and over, but nothing changed. My fingers shook with the effort, and I could feel my knees give way as more of my energy was drained. My heartbeat grew dangerously slow, but still, I fought, ruthlessly striking that magical barrier.

Thatwas until a rough hand landed on my shoulder. "Careful, Princess." It was Avlyn. "No point in killing yourself before we can figure this whole thing out. Leave him be. I have some breakfast for you."

Ifinally pulled my palms off the dragon's side, and Avlyn supported me as I wobbled over to the fire.

Breakfastwas squirrel, again. I knew better than to complain. Pallas sat in silence, sharing hers with Jun. He made a bit of a face as she pulled pieces off for him but didn't protest. I noticed Pallas ate very little of their shared squirrel.

Avlynhad scarfed theirs down in about three bites. I nibbled at mine and gave half to Pallas. AsI held it out, she characteristically said nothing but slowly took the squirrel from my hand with a small nod.

"SorryI couldn't catch more, but they were getting wise to my trap," Avlyn mouthed around their last bite.

"Thank you for hunting for us, Commander," Pallas murmured, and Avlyn's eyes went wide in surprise.

"Um, yeah, of course," they mumbled. "And you can just call me Avlyn." They busied themselves with cleaning their greasy hands on their trousers and stood.

"Well, I suppose this is as good a time as any. Let's head out. We've only got one bladder for water, and it's full. But keep your eyes peeled for water sources as we travel." Avlyn scratched their head. "It's been quite some time since I've traveled in a group that was all fae, so we might push ourselves quite a bit."

Iwas about to protest when Pallas did it for me. "Jun is still recovering; we won't be able to push him."

Asmall frown curved at the corner of Avlyn's lips, but they nodded. "We can take turns helping him as needed as well. Alright, troops, let's head out."

Isaw Pallas roll her eyes at that, but she didn't complain as she stood and helped Jun do the same. She slung his arm over her shoulders, supporting him as they followed Avlyn. I brought up the rear.

Ifelt very naked without a weapon, but the only one Avlyn had hung on to in our escape was a single dagger, which they held. They led us back to the tunnel we had previously found. We made slow progress through the growth of the cavern, Jun occasionally tripping on roots and Pallas needing to assist him. She struggled as well, wearing heeled shoes that were appropriate for court but not for adventuring through rough terrain. On another day, I might have found the situation hilarious, watching Pallas' face scrunch up in disdain as her heel sunk into the muddy earth. She looked an awful mess, her luscious hair tangled horribly, her beautiful gown covered in soot and dirt, and her makeup was smudged. She more resembled a farm girl than a lady of the highest court. I was sure I looked no better, but I knew it would affect her more than me.

Iwasn't laughing today. Instead, my gut clenched at our horrendously slow pace, and I wondered just how long she would last out here.