A few people nearby glanced around in confusion, but no one paid it much attention. They were in a city filled with magic after all.
Laela had already turned back toward Bernard, who was haggling with a vendor over the price of flour.
She took a step forward to join him when suddenly her chest tightened painfully.
Her breath hitched. Her heartbeat felt wrong.
Bernard glanced over his shoulder at her and immediately noticed the strange look on her face.
"Laela?" he asked, with a concerned voice. "You alright?"
Laela opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, her legs gave out.
She collapsed and Bernard's eyes widened in shock as he dropped his basket and rushed toward her. "Laela!"
He knelt beside her quickly, shaking her shoulder gently. "Hey! Can you hear me? Laela!"
Her eyes were half-open but unfocused, and her breathing was shallow, and growing slower with every passing second.
A small crowd also began forming around them.
—-
