Tessa/jessica pov.
By the time we reached the tribe, the sun had barely risen. Every step felt heavier, my body weak and trembling from the fight, but I didn’t stop.
The Purifying Grass was safe in my pouch, wrapped carefully with a strip of my cloak. Kevin and the others trailed behind, exhausted but silent—they knew how urgent this was.
When we reached the gate, the guards didn’t even bother asking questions. They saw my face and opened it immediately.
I ran straight through the corridors, ignoring the voices calling after me, my boots echoing against the stone floor. My heart was pounding so hard it hurt. I headed straight for his room.
He was still lying there. Pale. Motionless.
My heart clenched.
“Zane…” I rushed to his side and grabbed his hand. It was cold—too cold. “I’m b
