David couldn't say he was in good shape. That would be a lie. In fact, he shouldn't have opted into this trip in the first place.
Since the start of their perilous journey, he'd been feeling more pain than he dared to admit. And not too long ago, he'd tripped simply by trying to slow down.
His legs felt like jelly and his flame core was coughing like a failing engine. Still, his pride wouldn't let him admit to all these injuries.
No, not when Arthur was right there. 'I bet he'd like to hear me say I've given up!' the dark-haired phoenix scoffed internally.
He wasn't about to let Arthur win… even though the second prince had him beat in everything 'phoenixly' possible.
David struggled to stand. Then he tried to access his flame core. It wasn't looking so good.
"Fine then, we'll start with a slow jog while you circulate your flame essence," Arthur didn't wait for an explanation.
