Recognizing the Master

Gareth had been holding it together for too long, but he was at his limit.

Now, he could barely keep his eyes open, his legs felt like lead, and he couldn't even lift himself off the ground. Every muscle ached as if he was carrying a mountain.

"Are you okay?" Valerie knelt beside him, her fingers gently pressing his wrist.

His pulse was faint, and his skin was hot to the touch. He had a fever, lik