The darkness started to subside, replaced by sparkling lights. Jack’s silhouette was all Annika could concentrate on—that is, until he baited her. Annika’s vision flared, and she glared at her father, her hands tightening into fists. 

Annika didn’t do well with being told she couldn’t do something. Especially when her father was an all-powerful sorcerer. 

Annika knew she should take a break. She felt shakey and short of breath, but she never backed down from a challenge—even if that meant passing out from it. Without another word, Annika pulled her power and strength to the core of her body before she pushed it out and started casting portals again.

She ripped one out of space and time again and again, managing to do it seven more times before she really did pass out. Annika didn’t even feel herself hit the ground, already unconscious before her body went completely limp, but she did it. She was able to push through and make more portals. Proving to herself that she could go beyond her limits if she needed to.