Chapter 33 · Sanctuary in Shards

"Hold still, damn it! If you twitch, I’m going to accidentally fuse your soul to the floorboards!"

Sloane’s voice cracked, sharp and desperate. She had Kaelen pinned against the jagged remains of an alchemy table, her fingers digging into his shoulders. Blood soaked through her tunic, a hot, sticky mess that made her hands slip. Every breath felt like swallowing broken glass.

Kaelen didn’t twitch. He didn't even blink. He just stared at her with those gold-flecked eyes, his chest heaving in sync with hers. His hand was clamped around her waist, pulling her so close there wasn't a sliver of air between them. He wasn't trying to help her stand; he was anchoring her, as if he feared she might evaporate if he let go.

"You're bleeding," he rasped. His voice was low, vibrating against her ribs. "Stop. Let me take it."

"Shut up," Sloane snapped, though her head swam. She fumbled for the catalyst—a shimmering, cracked crystal pulsing with a violent violet light. "I can't... I can't give you the spark if I'm dead. Just give me ten seconds."

"Ten seconds is too long," Kaelen muttered.