I climbed onto the bed and scooped his dead weight up by the shoulders to get his face away from the blood that was now working to consume the bed. And only when I pulled him to my chest and his body touched my amulet did he jolt awake with a frightened yell, shoving away from me.

He panted on the opposite side of the bed, blinking and staring as if he was doing his best to remember me. “Is it happening again?”

“We have to get out of this room,” I said. When he didn’t react, I grabbed his wrist. “Hurry!”

By then the blood was soaking the sheets, and Magnus jolted again, finally looking down at the scene. “It’s happening again,” he murmured, looking at me for help. “Oh my God.”

“I can’t lift you. Can you walk?”

“Yes, but—”

“Come with me.” I tugged him off the bed toward the door, and he followed without question. The blood was to our waists, and the sloshing and rising had worn down my shield significantly. I pulled at the door, but the pressure of the flowing blood kept it shut. Magnus joined my side without having to be asked, using his foot against the wall as leverage. It budged a little before slamming right back.

“Oh my God,” he said again, more panicked this time.

“Calm down,” I said, more for myself than for him. I’d never been buried in blood before, but I imagined it was just like any Manifestation. As long as my amulet could last—

I looked down at myself. My shield reached only about five inches beyond me in all directions, but it was enough to give me an idea.

“Count to ten and then pull as hard as you can.”

“We can’t wait, it’s rising too quickly—”

“You have to trust me, Magnus. Just do it.”

Magnus was trembling—I don’t know if it was from the freezing blood or fear, but his eyes were wide. “One…” he said weakly, “two…” and he positioned himself to pull the door.

“Three,” I counted with him. I dropped down into the sea of blood, blocking out his four.

My amulet kept my face clear of drowning. I reached forward with my free hand and felt for the door. If I could use the clear space my amulet provided to relieve some of the pressure from the lower part of the door, it was sure to open more easily.

At least I hope.

It had to be seven by now … eight … nine—