the midday sun. He stared into it, and braced himself against the blast of hot wind that followed. He stumbled, and then fell forwards, and there was a sharp pain in his knees as he landed on them. His mind went even more numb, ringing filled his ears, and he found himself staring down at the grey brick of the walkway. He saw his hands come out in front of him, pale white hands with knobbly, shaking fingers.

“Nathaniel,” came a familiar voice.

Arms were in front of him, outstretched towards him, and hands were grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him.

His eyes moved slowly upwards, drawn by an inviting green light. He recognized Annyka’s face.

“Can you hear me?!” she shouted.

His gaze was captured, watching the words flowing out through her pi...

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