Claire’s POV

Damian had his sword belt buckled before I got one foot on the floor.

He glanced at me, saw that I was awake, then looked away before our eyes could meet.

“Torvin takes twelve men. We clear the route to the Heart’s gate and return for you.”

“Return for me?”

His attention remained on the sword at his hip.

“I won’t take you into that place without knowing what’s waiting.”

“And if our son collapses while you’re gone?”

His hand stopped against the hilt.

“That’s why Aldric and Elara are staying.”

“They can’t save him.”

“They can keep him alive until I return.”

“You don’t know that.”

I...