章 234: It took more

Raven helped me to my feet, her arm still steadying me as I fought the dizziness swirling in my head. Each time I tapped into the crystal, it took more out of me than the last, like it was slowly draining something essential from me. As much as I wanted to believe I could keep using it without consequence, deep down I knew it was a lie. There was a cost to wielding that kind of power, one I wasn't sure I could continue paying.

"Are you alright to keep moving?" Raven's voice was gentle, but I could hear the tension underneath. She was holding back, trying to stay strong for me, but I could sense her fear. She was always like that, hiding her emotions behind a wall of steel. But not with me. Not anymore.