Xaden stopped in his tracks, his breathing suddenly tense and uneven.
He turned back to face Marie.
"What?" he asked.
"You could die," she said.
"I heard what you said," he responded through gritted teeth. "But I do not understand what you mean."
"Walk with me," she said as she led him forward.
She didn't look back, but when she heard him following behind, she breathed in. Once they reached the garden, she began.
