Lanling lost his breath the moment the spell struck.
The heat of his body flickered, then faded. His blood had drained as realization shook his core. His clouded eyes widened, his hands trembling as they clutched at Haruki's clothes. His throat locked up, stealing his voice.
"…Ha…ruki…?"
A cracking whisper.
Desperation clawed at him. His hands patted frantically over Haruki's body, searching, but his pounding heartbeat drowned out everything else. When he faintly heard his name being called, he froze.
"…okay. I'm okay... It's okay. It's fine—I'm fine."
"What do you mean you're fine?!"
Lanling's voice tore from his throat. His eyes darted frantically, searching for something—anything—but there was only darkness ahead.
A terrible thought seized him, turning his breath shallow.
What if the warmth in his arms vanished?
Panic surged. His soul trembled.
"Q-Quick! Find Meixi! Now! What—"
He gasped.
