Emerald looked up and saw the worried expression on his face. Panic set in, and she scrambled to her feet, rushing toward Alaric.

“Aric…”

But she ignored her battered state. Her body was covered in cuts and bruises, and as soon as she stood, sharp pain shot through her feet.

Dizziness washed over her from crouching too long, and before she could take another step, she stumbled, collapsing into the muddy roadside.

“Little Moon!”

Alaric was at her side in an instant, catching Emerald as she fell into his familiar embrace.

The tears she’d been holding back for so long finally spilled over, streaming down her face.

Alaric felt a...