Chapter 98

Scarlett's POV The events happened too fast for me to keep up. In just the blink of an eye, we were separated by the other warriors, and after the ground shook, we fell down a hollow cliff that seemed endless—alone and injured. I only suffered bruises and scratches from the leaves and rocks that struck us during the fall, but most of the injuries were taken by Lucien, who used his body as a shield to protect me from harm. I watched as he leaned against the trunk of a gnarled oak, his chest rising and falling too shallowly, his skin gleaming with sweat, dirt, and blood. His complexion was paler than usual. I went to him, leaning close, refusing to look at the dark stains spreading across his shirt that made my heart ache for reasons I couldn't explain. My hand was trembling as I touched him—softly at first, then firmer as I traced the line of his ribs. "Touching my abs already in a place like this?" he joked hoarsely as his body flinched at my touch, his whole body jerking despite how h