It didn't take long for them to reach the apartment building, but every step felt heavier than the last.
The hardest part was the stairs. Jace's hand clung to the rail while Serai supported his other side, her disguise flickering faintly as she strained under his weight.
By the time they reached the door, sweat beaded on his forehead, and his breath came uneven.
Inside, Serai guided him carefully toward the sofa. He collapsed into it with a groan, his head falling back.
His chest rose and fell too fast, and his vision blurred. Shapes lost their edges, colors dulled. Even his hearing dimmed, like he was sinking underwater.
Serai hovered over him, her voice small. "You want water?"
Jace blinked up at her. "What?"
She tried again, leaning closer. "You want water?"
His brow furrowed. "What?" His voice was sharp this time. "I can't hear you. Speak louder."
