As the dust settled around us, I could feel my hands shaking. The adrenaline that had kept me going through the fight was fading, leaving a hollow fear in its place. My neck still stung where the blade had cut into my skin, a painful reminder of how close I had come to losing everything. I glanced at Seraphine, who was already at my side, her eyes filled with concern.
"Riley," she said softly, reaching out to touch my arm. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, but my voice betrayed me. "I... I think so. Just a bit shaken."
Seraphine's touch was gentle but firm, grounding me. "Breathe with me, okay? In and out. Slow and steady."
I did as she said, focusing on the rhythm of my breath. In, out. In, out. Slowly, the trembling in my hands began to subside. Seraphine's presence was a balm to my frayed nerves, her strength lending me courage.
"We should take a break," she suggested, her voice filled with concern. "You need to rest."
