I wasn’t strong enough.

Every time Elias’s shadows hit me, I went down. He blew through mine easily, like I wasn’t even an issue.

I grimaced as I hit the concrete wall of the crypt, Elias’s shadows, mixed with my brother’s, poured over me, sliding over my body as they pinned me there.

When they let me go, I dropped to the ground, wincing as Elias chuckled, straightening his clothes, patiently waiting for me to get back up and try again.

Because that’s what I kept doing.

I had no choice, I couldn’t give up like my sore, aching muscles wanted me to.

I gritted my teeth and climbed to...