Page 262 of Psycho Gods

I crouched low, stance wide and protective. No one was going to hurt Sadie. Not on my watch.

Chapter 52

Jinx

SURVIVAL

Thanatophobia (noun): fear of death.

DAY 36, HOUR 3

Through our guardian-angel connection, I saw through Aran’s eyes.

She was surrounded by dozens of infected, pain radiated through her body from multiple contusions, and Sadie was naked on the ground behind her.

She crouched low and inhaled enchanted smoke.

She swept over the infected with a disturbing nonchalance as she analyzed the situation. Her thoughts were freakishly calm.

“Where are you?” I screamed through our connection, but the sound was jumbled and fuzzy.

Helplessness filled me.

Please not now.

I choked on guilt. It was my fault that our connection was inconsistent.

Desperate to do something, I grabbed my crutches and pulled myself upright out of the leather chair.

I spent the battles alone in the strategy room, mediating, and Warren knew not to disturb me. HE spent the time exploring the forest as a ferret.

Now I wished I weren’t alone.

I needed help.

Someone.

Anyone.

I clutched at my temples with trembling fists because I couldn’t think. I was panicking. My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to breathe.

I was Aran’s guardian; I was supposed to guide her in times of distress.

This situation went beyond mere peril.

Her odds were impossible.

My crutches slammed into a chair, and I tipped over. I barely noticed.

“Can you hear me? Aran, can you hear me?” I screamed repeatedly through our link.

Nothing.

Sadie groaned with pain as she became conscious, and Aran whispered down at her through the corner of her mouth, “Don’t make any sudden movements or noises.”

Dragging my crutches in one hand, I crawled across the floor toward the enchanted pad built into the desk. I needed to alert the High Court.

Sadie’s eyes shot open.