Lyra's POV
The corridor beyond the infirmary felt like stepping into a different world. Cool air hit my face and I drew in a shaky breath, trying to find my balance. My legs felt like they belonged to someone else. Each step forward required more concentration than it should have.
Jaxson's arm provided the only stability I had left. I pressed closer to him, hating how much I needed the support. The exhaustion wasn't just tiredness anymore. It had become something living inside me, weighing down every bone and muscle. My wound pulsed with a steady ache that made me grit my teeth.
Seraphina moved ahead of us like a soldier on patrol. Her spine was straight, shoulders tense. She scanned every shadow as if expecting an ambush. Genevieve followed at a distance behind us. I couldn't see her, but I felt her presence like a weight between my shoulder blades.
We hadn't gone more than a few steps when footsteps echoed behind us. Quick and deliberate.
