I waded around the segment of fallen wall just as Gayron landed beside a floating body. My heart lurched as I recognized the blue and white ribbons of Korra's sash adrift in the water, streaming like seaweed. He cradled her, lifting her and revealing her face. She was pale and pasty, blood smeared across one cheek despite the lapping waves.
"Korra," I gasped, grabbing her hand.
She gave me a weak smile, squeezing lightly. "Not bad, huh?"
"Your soul…" I trailed off, tail stiffening with shock. "It's…okay. NO, more than okay. You broke through?"
Gayron gasped, but not in awe or excitement, but horror. "You idiot!" Gayron growled.
She started to speak again, but winced, breaking off in a cough. It was then I noticed the jagged icicle protruding from her side, running just beneath her ribs and emerging from her back above her hip. The flesh around it was white and frosty. Streaks of frozen blood sealed the ice in place, likely the only reason she hadn't bled out already.
