“No, I couldn’t find any. He’s very weak. I’m afraid...” I took a breath of air, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m afraid he won’t make it.”
“Oh, gods! Frid . . . How can I help?”
“Yeah. That’s why I’m here.”
Alina’s eyes opened wide. The next moment, she stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her.
“Are you sure about this?” Alina walked in carrying a leather bag and long strips of leather.
“I don’t see any other way,” I said, buttoning the flying suit over Victor’s torso.
“You may be flying right back into the storm,” Alina said.
“I know.”
“Alright. I got you some food and water.”
“Thank you.” I lifted Victor up, his head fell lifelessly to his chest.
He did not protest when I moved him around, or even when I put on his leather suit. I clenched my teeth, noticing howwaxy his cheeks looked. I could not let him die, it was simply impossible.
The next moment, Alina was beside me, helping me hold Victor up. Her arms wrapped around his torso, but she could not support his weight on her own.
“Careful. Don’t drop him,” I said, turning into my beastly form.
“Don’t worry. I got this.” Alina grunted.
The window was already open, and light rain splattered on the floor beneath it. Alina leaned Victor’s body against my side and between the two of us, we managed to get him on my back. Then Alina tied his body with several leather belts until he was safely secured.
“Frid . . .” Alina started in a breathless voice.
“I have to try getting him to the temple,”
“But it’s . . . two days of flying,”
“I know. It’s gonna be tough, but I’m tough. I can do this.” I looked at her concerned face. “Promise me something,” I said.
“Yes?” Alina looked up.
“Take care of Ty and Sol.”
With everything going on, I never checked on Sol. I only hoped he was not too severely injured.
Alina’s face turned paper white, she looked at me as if she just saw a ghost.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“It’s . . . nothing.”
“Can you promise me?” I insisted.
“Yes.” Her voice was barely distinguishable.
“Alright.” I moved toward the window spreading my wings and immediately folding them back to fit in the window frame.
Victor’s body seemed to be safely attached to my back and I could only hope that I could make the trip with the extra weight.
“May the gods be with you,” Alina whispered behind me.
