It happens a lot quicker than Merlin expects, really. He sees the ghoul turning for Charlie, but before he can do anything it's already got her and he feels as if his whole body goes cold, which his magic seems to react to instantly. The world around him slows down, he takes a breath, and Charlie's fire is further fueled by his own.

The moment the ghoul is off her time goes back to its regular pace, however, and he stumbles to Charlie's side and grabs onto her, fumbling to have a look at her shoulder. Shit, indeed, it doesn't really cover it properly.

"No," he breathes, licks his lips. "What happens if you get bitten?"

He's trying to remember if he can think of something, if there's been any information about it, but he can't quite focus. Or focus at all.