It tastes metallic; this isn’t water. I touch my forehead where the Shade slammed it against the wall then stare at the blood staining my fingers. The wound doesn’t hurt when I should be in a lot of pain and there’s a faint glow to my hand. "Rose?" Alek’s panicked voice filters into my shock. "He’s gone." I should be exhausted, or at least in pain after the fight. The last time a Shade attacked me, I disappeared into the fog. This time I sent him away. How did I not know I could do this? I expected weakness after the fight and injury, but I easily push myself to my feet. I unlock the door. "You’re bleeding. And glowing…" Alek breathes heavily, the exertion of trying to knock the door down apparent in his slackened stance. "And you look ill. That was me, wasn’t it? I didn’t realise what I’d do…" Alek leans against the wall. "Yeah. I wanted a Shade to get my energy back but looks like you got there first." "Got there first?
