Jael’s magic finally released Kerrick as she thrashed. Air rushed into his lungs and he pulled in a few deep breaths. The roots retreated underground. Pain flared anew. Blood ran down his hands.

Kerrick stood and moved closer to Jael. “Enjoying the taste of your own medicine? It’s rather awful being denied the simple act of breathing, isn’t it?”

No response. Terror, panic, and fear flashed on her reddening face. He hesitated a moment—was there another way? He spotted the sword lying next to her. It was coated with Avry’s blood. She didn’t deserve mercy.

“Goodbye, Jael. I’m afraid there’s no chance of us ever getting back together.”

Chapter Fourteen

CHAPTER 14

I struggled to sip air. The effort ringed my chest with sharp daggers of pain. The light in the distance faded as the tunnel spun. Lightheaded, dizzy, and nauseous, I drifted into and out of consciousness. The water soaked into my robe. Or was it sweat?

Heat burned my skin followed by uncontrollable shivers. The motion was pure torture. Why couldn’t I just pass out? Or die? I really didn’t care which one at this moment. Although Kerrick would be upset and Loren and Quain and Flea and...

Odd? My name. He called my name. Torch light flickered. Or were they spots in my vision? I didn’t have breath to talk. Instead, I slapped the water with my hand. Or was it blood?

Then he was there, shining a much-too-bright light. I squeezed my eyes shut. His hands slid under me, but I squealed with pain when he tried to lift me and he stopped. Part of my brain noted that my right lung must be healing in order for me to have enough air to make that pathetic sound.

Odd asked, “What can I do?”

“Save the...” I gestured to the girl next to me.

“Sorry, Avry. She’s dead. What else can I do?”

“Wait.”

“For what?”

I opened my eyes and met his gaze.

“Oh.” He sat back on his heels. “That’s unacceptable.” Odd took my hand.

He wasn’t a magician, so he didn’t have any power to share, but his presence soothed me. I closed my eyes.

“Do you know about Kerrick’s...er...problem?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry for giving the guy a hard time about disappearing. That’s rough. He should be here instead of me. I can’t help you. Well, except to ramble on, trying to keep you awake. Avry, are you still with me?”

“Yes.”

“Good. ’Cause if you die, Kerrick’s going to kill me. Probably strangle me with some vines. Or have a tree fall on top of me. Or feed me to a Death Lily.”

I shook my head.