The stone seized Serena and spat her into a chamber at the same time as Dex.
They hit the ground hard enough to steal breath, the world spinning violently as they rolled across hot stone. Heat washed over her in waves.
"Serena." Dex was already moving, boots skidding as he crossed the stone towards her. He dropped beside her, hands gentle but urgent. "Hey. Look at me."
She sucked in a breath that burned all the way down.
"You're dehydrated," he observed. His fingers brushed her forehead, grounding himself in the feel of her skin.
"I'm fine."
"You're a terrible liar and the matebond proves it." He gave her a crooked grin, even as his pulse hammered. "Let's agree you're temporarily functional and revisit later."
That earned a faint, breathless huff from her. He helped her to her feet. She braced her hands on her knees for a moment, shoulders heaving.
The air tore open around them.
