Screams from the Abyss

Uneasy Alliance

Consciousness returned to Jaden like a slow tide, bringing with it a bone-deep ache that seemed to radiate from every cell in his body. He blinked, his vision slowly focusing on a canopy of leaves above him, dappled sunlight filtering through.

"Hey, he's awake," a familiar voice said. Zoe's face swam into view, her expression a mix of relief and wariness.

Jaden groaned, pushing himself up to a sitting position. His head swam with the movement, and he had to close his eyes for a moment to fight off a wave of nausea.

[Status: Recovering]

[Shadow Merge Cooldown: 6 hours remaining]

[Caution: Reduced Combat Effectiveness]

"How long was I out?" Jaden managed to croak, his throat dry and scratchy.

"About four hours," Lyra's voice came from somewhere to his left. "Long enough for us to wonder if you were ever going to wake up."

As Jaden's senses fully returned, he took stock of his surroundings. They were in a small clearing, the remains of a hastily constructed shelter visible nearby. Zoe a