Chapter 39 Fractured Vows

The golden light of dawn cascaded over the trees, casting the clearing in a soft glow. Alex lay on the ground, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Mara knelt beside him, her hands gripping his, her tears streaking the dirt on her face. You're not doing this again," she whispered firmly, her voice shaking with barely contained fear. "Throwing yourself into battle like you're indestructible. You're going to get yourself killed."