Chapter 58. Slow and Calculated

Zara's POV

My entire body was burning, and it had spread like wildfire. I was in so much pain that I was having trouble breathing and moving.

My frantic screams had long since subsided, and I was now barely conscious.

"Oh, Goddess, Zara!" A familiar voice chimed in my ears. "What have you done to yourself?!"

I could hear the worry in his voice, but I could not tell who it was. My eyes were full of tears, making it difficult to see him.

Perhaps it was my dad? Did he find me?

"Before the goddess punishes me for neglecting you, we had better get you inside," he murmured to himself. "I can't believe you would do this to yourself! If the goddess sees you in this state, what will she say?"

With a sigh, strong arms scooped me up from the cave floor. He stroked my hair tenderly while carefully pressing my head against his chest.

"Everything is going to be alright," he muttered, his heartbeat lulling me to sleep. "I will look a