Chapter 27

Julian's eyes abruptly shot open as a sharp pain erupted from his stomach. He gasped, his lungs burning as they fought to pull in air, the phantom sensation of a blade or a spell still echoing in his nerves. Above him, Chloe Hayes was mid-bounce, her knees digging into his gut with the practiced precision of a younger sibling who knew exactly how to maximize discomfort. "Wake up, sleepyhead!" she chirped, her face hovering inches from his. Julian didn't snap back with a sarcastic remark....