The rain had transformed into fog. It hung heavy over the city, swallowing sounds, making every movement loud and every breath too much. Lina and Alaric were no longer really walking – they stumbled, feeling their way forward through alleys where water stood ankle-deep.
Lina was freezing, but she said nothing. Her shoes were soaked through, her knees sore from falling, her fingers numb. Beside her, Alaric breathed irregularly, each breath sounding as if it cost him strength. He held onto the edge of the wall, his step unsteady.
"We need to get inside somewhere," she whispered.
He nodded, but his eyes flickered. "Not here. Too exposed."
"You can barely stand."
"I'm managing."
"At least lie more convincingly."
He snorted, almost a laugh. "You're getting bold."
"I'm scared."
"That's better."
