The silence in the cave was heavy, broken only by the fragile crackle of the fire and the harsh sound of Damon's breathing. His body, cold as marble, seemed to suck all the heat from Ester's. With every second she remained pressed against him, she felt her own skin crawl, her muscles tense trying to resist the invasive chill.
But she didn't back away. She couldn't.
The icy Qi within Damon was wild, untamed, spreading like icy roots through his veins. Ester felt it vibrate beneath his skin, a chaotic whirlwind trying to take root where there was no balance. With each flow she absorbed, shaped, and returned with her own rhythm, a dull ache ran through her back, as if she were forcing her body to endure two existences.
She bit her lower lip, closing her eyes. Cold sweat trickled down her temple, and drops mingled with her wet hair.
"Concentrate. If you lose your rhythm, he won't be able to handle it."
