Madriod’s POV

The air was heavy, like something was pressing down on us. Elsie’s bracelet hit the floor, and the room lit up with a golden glow. For a second, I thought the darkness was gone, but it wasn’t. It hissed and curled at the edges of the room, waiting for its moment.

Elsie’s eyes opened, barely. She looked at me, and my chest tightened. She was awake, but she looked so fragile,like the slightest touch could break her.

“Elsie,” I whispered, moving closer.

Her lips parted, and I leaned in to hear her. “Madriod…” she said, her voice so faint I almost didn’t catch it.

She tried to sit...