Aveline felt the heat before the flames ever reached her.
It struck against her skin in sharp, burning waves, pricking across her face and arms until breathing itself became difficult. Instinctively, she bent down, reaching for Hamilton, but instead of retreating, the little creature darted forward.
"Hamilton—!"
He planted himself between her and the fire, tiny body puffed up defiantly as though he truly intended to shield her from the inferno rushing toward them.
Aveline's chest tightened.
The heat became unbearable. She lowered her head and covered her face, bracing herself for impact, for pain, for the agony that would surely follow.
Her heart sank heavily in her chest.
At least this time… her shadow was with her.
Oddly enough, she wasn't afraid of the pain itself. What burned hotter than fear was irritation—anger simmering violently beneath her skin.
