Page 63 of Phoenix Chosen 3

I scream his name. He looks so far away, and I’m begging and pleading with any fucking god that will listen that it’s not too late.

27

TYLER

Idive to his side.

“Kalistratos,” I repeat, desperate for some sign of life.

Just like in my vision, his hand is still pressed across his left shoulder, which is covered in dark blood. Hesitantly, I lower my palm to his back, terrified of what I’m about to feel.

Relief.There’s movement—a shallow breath.

“Tyler,” he groans.

“I’m going to flip you,” I say. “Hold on.”

I turn him onto his back as gently as I can. His cheeks are stained with mud and soot. I’m shocked to see his face so pale. His eyes flutter open and flick back and forth before locking onto mine. He smiles weakly.

“Thank the Gods you’re safe,” he says.

Carefully, I move his hand away from his shoulder.

Oh, shit.

I was expecting bad, but… how am I going to deal with this?

The first aid kit.

I don’t have it. It’s in Jackson’s bag, and now Jackson is…

I shake my head. I need to focus. I can’t do anything about Jackson now. I just need something to stop this bleeding…

Untying the egg sling from across my body, I set Eggy on the ground beside us and use the cloth as a makeshift bandage.

“This is going to hurt,” I tell him. “Three, two…”

I pull the sling as tight as I can. Kalistratos grits his teeth and bites back a scream.

“That stings,” he mutters. “Oh, that stings.”

I help him sit up to elevate the wound, and he slumps against my chest. I cradle him in my arms. I don’t even have water to give him—the water skins are in the supply pouches, and those got dropped back where we were attacked.

“It seems… like I’ve been injured,” he jokes.

I grin and force out a laugh. “No shit, Sherlock.”

“Shore… lahk…” he repeats.

“Don’t worry. You’re gonna be fine, okay? We’ll get you to Zona and she’ll fix you right up, just like she did last time.”

Kalistratos smiles and reaches up to touch my face. I press my hand to his and hold it in place against my cheek.

“Tyler. Zona is in Athenos.”

“Then we’ll go to Markos. They have medicine.”

He exhales softly. “I’m just glad you’re safe. Eggy?”

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