Chapter 79: When Magic Dies
Three days had passed since the traditional circle, and Liana hadn't slept once. She sat beside Kael's bed, dabbing a cool cloth against his fevered face.
In the next room, Jace tossed restlessly, mumbling words she couldn't understand. Down the hall, Rowan stared out his window, silent as stone.
They were living. But barely. "You need rest," Talia whispered from the doorway. Dark rings shadowed her friend's eyes too. "You can't help them if you collapse." "I'm fine," Liana lied, her hands shaking as she wrung out the cloth.
"They gave everything for me. The least I can do is—" "Is what? Kill yourself watching them sleep?" Talia stepped closer. "This isn't your fault." "Isn't it?" Liana's voice cracked. "If I hadn't challenged Lyra, if I'd just walked away—" "Then Rowan would be dead." Kael's voice was barely a whisper, but it made both girls jump.
