The Heart of the Burden

Sadie dodged Tenever's second blow, instinctively returning a feinting hit that caught him in the side. He collapsed under the force of the strike, grabbing her shoulders instead.

"Sadie!"

She twisted her shoulders to throw him, reaching for her combat knife when he refused to let go. Her fingers closed over a handle that felt unfamiliar in the moment, but she dismissed the thought and tugged -

Tenever's hand closed over hers, trapping the knife. He roared into her face, a lick of power curling around his words.

"Sadie! Look at me!"

Her eyes locked onto his. Despite everything, she shook her head. Her eyes lost the clouding of adrenalin, found their focus on his face - and then she dropped her gaze, and she was right back into the Sadie that Tenever needed right now. She took a deep breath and stepped back.

"How long? How far?"

"Minute or two - nothing to worry about. Not far now, but Gulmar is having issues with his people too."

She looked away from his curiosity.