Snow Fox's voice had lost its sweetness entirely. It was a rapid, hoarse set of commands now, barely recognizable. "Keep going! Don't stop! Potions when mana drops! Watch Brother Finch's bar! Don't let it drop below a quarter!"
Sweat ran freely down Finch's face. His voice was tight but controlled. "Two more minutes. Give everything. This thing's almost out of health."
One of the junior priests, apparently too flustered to engage his brain before speaking, said something about Diana in comparison to Finch that Don caught in fragments, something about Diana not being able to stand up to Finch even if she tried, phrased in a way that made several people wince.
Don thought, with sincere internal heat: If you're going to curse my sister like that, you deserve whatever happens to you next.
He barely finished the thought.
Nightmare Wings turned its head directly toward the rock they were hiding behind.
Don's heart stopped.
