Korra's embrace left me barely enough room to breathe. I hugged her back, smiling against her shoulder even as my ribs began to ache.
"That's enough out of you. You know how tired she must be," R'lissea scolded, planting her hands on her hips.
Korra loosened her grip, and I drew a grateful breath before turning to hug R'lissea. Her stern expression softened as she gathered me close.
"I can't believe you really did it," she whispered, rubbing her cheek against mine.
Then she glanced past me at Luke, and her eyes narrowed.
"And you? Was Soltair truly that strong?"
She raised her hands. Golden-green light spilled between her fingers and seeped through the rents in his clothing. Luke exhaled as the lines of Sunpurge faded beneath her Requiem, leaving unblemished skin behind.
"Wait, Luke, I'm sorry. I didn't realize…" My fingers curled into my skirt. I'd been holding him, talking to him, while those wounds kept burning.
