The crisis averted and her Queen confirmed safe, Sigrid finally allowed herself to relax—or at least, as much as her exhausted body would permit.
She made her way toward Luca slowly, each step a battle against muscles that screamed for rest.
Her legs shook beneath her. Her arms hung heavy at her sides. But she forced herself forward until she stood before him, meeting his eyes despite the fatigue that threatened to pull her under.
"How?" She asked, her voice hoarse and barely audible. "How were you able to endure for so long? Where does all that stamina come from?"
Her brow furrowed with genuine concern—and genuine curiosity.
"Are all humans like this? I was always taught that centaurs possessed far greater endurance than ordinary humans But if every human is like you..."
She shook her head grimly. "Then humans are far more terrifying than we ever imagined."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the exhausted centaurs.
