Chapter 29

"I can handle this."

"She's stable now!" the Vitalist insisted, her hands trembling as her energy pulsed into him, her voice rising with a desperate edge—"You'll die if I don't—" her words a plea born from the terror of losing him, the only shield between her and the blond man's wrath.

Her breath came in ragged gasps, sweat slicking her brow as she fought to keep the healing flow steady. "You have nothing left, Ryn! Just—just let me help!"

Before Ryn could protest further, before he could force her hands back to Elena, the blond man lunged with a predator's speed, his smirk twisting into a snarl of violent intent. The air tensed, thick with the scent of burning ozone, as if the very atmosphere recoiled from the violence about to unfold.