Rex’s POV
Standing between what looked like ordinary trees while Robin, barely clinging to consciousness chanted in the Banished tongue felt unreal.
The enemy was close, far too close, yet here we were, waiting. Julian kept Robin upright while Rose stood close beside me, her hand brushing mine like she was ready to steady me if I faltered.
Finally, Robin’s eyes fluttered open. “Do you… want to open the barrier?” he rasped, his tired gaze locking on mine.
“What do I need to do?” I asked, desperate to get them all to safety.
“A drop of your blood,” he said softly.
I didn’t hesitate. I grabbed Julian’s blade and sliced my palm. The sting lasted only a second before the wound began to knit itself back together. “Now what?”
“Place your hand… on the tree.” He nodded weakly.
I stepped fo
