The Packless Shadow

Talia POV

The first three I couldn't hold the shift past eight seconds before my concentration broke. The fourth I got to fifteen. The fifth I lost it at twelve and that was worse somehow — going backward felt worse than not getting there.

He said nothing during any of it.

Just: "Again."

We are going to do this, Sparrow said. After the fourth.

"I know."

He's right that again is the only option.

"I