The air slapped my face as Richard and I ran through the thick forest covering the estate. My breathing was shallow, with my heart thumping so loud it could have drowned out the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. It was as if each step weighed more than usual, a heavy presence settling over me, although Avalor hadn't appeared yet.
Richard was just a little in front, fronting, but his pace now seemed slower, rather laboured. His battle with Avalor had extracted all the strength from him, and I could see the stress in every move. We both knew that this was only a temporary escape. Avalor would find us—it was just a matter of time.
He stumbled, falling to his knees, grunting in pain. I rushed to his side and sat beside him. His face paled, his body shuddering with exhaustion and pain. "We need to rest," I whispered, though our situation screamed the opposite. But Richard wasn't up for running anymore.