Lumina did not stop moving until her lungs burned, each breath ragged. She clutched Stella's arm so tightly her fingers ached, letting her drag her through the corridors as the echo of their hurried footsteps bounced off.
The fabric of her gown twisted around her legs, catching at her ankles, but she stumbled onward, refusing to let go.
"Please, slow down, my lady!" Stella begged between breaths, but Lumina only shook her head, her heart thundering too loud to hear reason.
By the time they reached Ashen's chambers, Lumina's legs trembled from the strain.
Stella guided her hand to the familiar doorframe, but Lumina pushed the door open before stumbling inside, breathless, her hair damp and clinging to her cheeks, her grip on Stella's arm the only thing keeping her upright.
"Ashen!" She screamed out.
He turned just as she fell forward, and without hesitation, he caught her. His arms closed around her, helping to steady her trembling frame.
