Chapter 41

Hayden helps me down on my bed with enough gentleness to make me smile. His eyes then scan me for injuries when I wince in response. I'm in much worse shape than I thought. My ribs are hurting, probably fractured. It's as if a herd of elephants has run over me, broken my back in the commotion.

"Ouch." I lean back against one of my pillows. My room feels too warm, or maybe my blood is too hot. Either way, I'm dizzy and sweating on top of my injury, feeling adrenaline surge through me like an inner river. "Remind me to never fight against a wind user again. Alina is crazy powerful, and she didn't play fair."

Hayden's lips twitch into an insecure smile. "I honestly didn't think you would win against Alina. She is powerful and older than you. I believe she has had more training, and I was ready to step in at the end. But in the end, you didn't need my help—your powers amaze me."

I laugh, although it hurts my jaw. "Yes, I won, but tomorrow my entire body will b