The adrenaline left Elias's bloodstream the moment he stepped off the blue synthetic mat, replaced instantly by a deep, hollow ache.
His ribs burned with a sickening heat, the bone grinding slightly with every shallow breath he took. The skin along his forearms felt sunburned, a lingering side effect of absorbing the sheer thermal output of Colby's unstable soul energy. He leaned against the cool metal of the locker room sink, turning the faucet on full blast.
Cold water splashed over his hands. He scooped it up, dragging it down his face, letting the sting of the water wash the sweat and grit out of his cuts.
Behind him, the heavy thud of boots signaled Paul and Tidwell entering.
