Lilith stumbled forward as they moved deeper into the sea palace.
Her breaths were growing shorter, more labored. Flickers of soul energy arced wildly from her skin like broken lightning, shifting in erratic bursts.
Her condition was deteriorating faster than any of them had feared. Every few steps, she staggered, her knees trembling as her body fought to remain upright.
Ren walked beside her, his hand hovering near but never touching, afraid her volatile aura would lash out again.
Her energy had scorched Thorn's hand only minutes before when he tried to catch her during a fall. And now, he brought up the rear, his sword unsheathed and his cloak rippling behind him.
His eyes constantly flicked back to Lilith, concern buried beneath layers of battle readiness.
"She's getting worse." He muttered, breaking the silence.
"I know." Ren replied, his voice clipped and tense. "We need to finish this. Quickly. Before she burns herself out."
