Page 166 of Of Blood & Stone

“Elnok,” Kharis said, “if she didn’t make it?—”

“Less talking, more digging, Kharis,” Elnok seethed.

A woman’s voice called from below, asking for Sylzenya’s whereabouts.

“She’s under this somewhere,” Elnok yelled back.

To his surprise, the woman climbed too, worry lining her face as she started to tear apart the roots with them.

It was Sylzenya’s friend—Nyla.

Elnok broke apart what had to be the hundredth root when he finally saw it—ash-colored hair.

“She’s here!” he yelled.

Kharis and Nyla dug with him, breaking roots and throwing them to the orodyte floor as more ash-colored hair was uncovered. Sylzenya’s body was coated in black blood. Elnok grabbed under her arms and Kharis gripped her waist as they lifted her up and out of the mess. Elnok’s throat constricted at what he saw—roots pierced through her back, her leg, and her neck.

His mouth went dry as they quickly lowered her off the altar.

Her chest suddenly moved, eyes fluttering open.

“Elnok?” she rasped, blood dripping from her mouth. The branch piercing just underneath her clavicle moved with her breaths, causing her to grit her teeth.

“I’m here,” he breathed, “You’re ok, everything’s going to be ok.”

“Is he dead?” she whispered, her voice weak.

Elnok nodded, tears forming at the corners of his eyes. Nyla placed a hand on his shoulder.

“You killed Distrathrus,” Nyla spoke, her voice shaking, “You stopped him, and you saved us.”

Sylzenya’s eyes brightened, the deep blue burning like sapphires.

“Nyla.” She reached out a hand. “You’re alright?”

Nyla cried. “Yes, yes, I’m alright. But by the gods, Sylzenya…” She broke down, squeezing Sylzenya’s hand tight. “What do we do? How do we save her?”

Breaths short and hands shaking, Elnok looked to Kharis.

The warrior’s mouth thinned. “I don’t know.”

“It’s alright,” Sylzenya said, “As long as Distrathrus is dead, that’s all that matters.”

Elnok cradled her head, his lip quivering. “I didn’t die on you, so you better return the favor.”

A faint smile graced her lips. “I wish—” she coughed, her eyes pinching in pain before she continued, “I wish we had more time.”

A watery laugh came out of Elnok’s mouth. “Don’t go stealing my lines like that. It’s not very original.”

“Now you know how dramatic you sound.”

“Syl…” He breathed her name as a tear streamed down his cheek.

“These branches,” she choked, “they hurt.”

Elnok’s breaths hitched.

“I don’t want to be in pain any longer,” she said.