All of Fin's instincts said no and to turn around. Xeon was clawing at the walls of his mind, furious, and Fin couldn't blame him.
The underground chamber materialized around him. The others were there. Gav stood facing the portal arms crossed, clearly waiting for Serena. His usual humor was gone. Hyran stood perfectly still with the expression of a man knowing exactly what was about to happen.
Fin turned immediately, seeing her on the other side of the portal. But blood was coming from her nose. Not gold, red. She hunched, clutching her ribs.
"SERENA."
He moved at Alpha speed to go back to her. Alpha speed is very impressive right up until the moment you use it to run face-first into nothing. The portal snapped closed before he could get to her.
"FUCK."
He punched the ground so hard his knuckles bled.
✦✦✦
Serena touched under her nose, felt blood, and fell to her knees. The portal snapped shut so quickly she didn't realize it happened until after.
