Both Rook and Braun leaped back from each other, their boots hitting the ground simultaneously, creating twin craters in the shattered earth.
The moment they separated, Lizzie collapsed.
She hit the ground hard, her hands catching herself at the last second, and coughed. Blood splattered across the concrete, bright red against the grey dust.
Kurt was beside her in an instant, dropping to one knee. "Lizzie, you alright?"
Lizzie looked up at him, forcing a grin even as blood dripped from her chin. "I'm cool, it's cool, it's all co—" She coughed again, more blood spilling out, and her body shook with the force of it.
Kurt grabbed her shoulder gently. "You're pushing yourself too hard, love."
The yellow aura surrounding Kurt, Emma, and Cassandra flickered, dimming like a dying light bulb. Lizzie's hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, but the glow continued to fade.
"Sorry, guys," Lizzie wheezed, her voice small. "I think I need to—"
