Shaking off the wave of horror that had engulfed her, Esme made a silent decision. Lifting her small hand, she hesitated for a moment before pressing her palm gently against his ravaged skin.
Donovan, who was suspicious of her unexpected silence, flinched when he felt her palm against the peppering wound on his back. When Esme closed her eyes, she summoned her energy, allowing it to flow from her body. Her hair glimmered with a soft bluish light, partially illuminating the area as the healing energy surged through Donovan.
His muscles tensed in alarm when he felt that same connection, and he tried to recoil from her touch.
"Esme, stop!" he protested sharply, his voice edged with panic after sensing her deteriorating health. The more energy she passed onto him, the more it weakened her. "Wait— just a moment."