“Try moving,” I say.
She does. First cautiously, then with more confidence. There’s a difference in the way she carries herself now. Her body is more fluid, her movements smooth and assured. It’s a subtle difference but one I spot immediately.
I’ve watched her far too much to not notice even the smallest of changes.
“How do you feel?”
“Honestly? Quite invincible.” She chuckles. “But I know I’m notthatinvincible.”
“You’re more so than me.” I point out.
“Well…” She looks around, closing her eyes and breathing in the air. “I can hear everything. Smell everything. It’s so?—”
“Amazing?”
She nods. “I never realized there was so much more to nature than what my limited senses could pick up. Now I can even hear insects flapping their wings. I can smell the blood from thousands of steps away. Goodness, Nyk!”
“Your lifespan is also increased now. You should comfortably be able to live hundreds if not thousands of years.”
At that, she blinks in surprise.
“That’s… a long time.”
“Not for me.” I shrug. “You’ll soon learn to see time differently.”
“But hundreds of years?” She whispers. “Everyone I know will die and?—”
“I won’t.” I add solemnly. “I’ll be there with you. At every step.”
She stares at me, a blush marring her cheeks. “Right. You’re right. You’ll be there. My best friend.”
Auch. If she twisted a knife into my heart it might have been less painful than that sentence.
I force a smile. “Exactly. So don’t worry about anything. I’ll keep you company. Forever.”
“That’s nice of you,” she murmurs, averting her gaze. An uncomfortable silence settles between us. After a few moments where neither of us knows what to say, she clears her throat loudly.
“Your turn now.”
“Huh?” I frown.
“Your potion. Let’s make it.”
“Right… I should…”
“Are you scared?”
“A little. I’ve heard the process can be painful. I might be out of it for a while.”
“I’ll be here,” she immediately says. “And if something dares attack…” She points to her muscles. “I’ll kick them out.”
I laugh in spite of myself. “That’s right. Nowyoucan protect me.”
“Damn right,” she says confidently. “You’re safe with me, Nyk. And once your meridians are cleared, you’ll be able toabsorb some energy from the embryo. With both of us powerful enough, the chances of making it alive out of the forest are much higher.”
I nod. She’s right.
Alas, it’s time to do this.
