Hospital.

Abel pushed open the door to the ward and glanced at Eileen, who lay still on the bed, then looked at Rafael, who had been standing watch for a whole day and night, exchanging a helpless glance with Declan by his side.

"He's been like this, not closing his eyes all night?" Abel whispered.

"Yes," Abel replied quietly.

"But the attending physician told me that Eileen just ingested a sedative and won't wake up until tomorrow. His vigilance won't make a difference."

"I told the master the same," Abel said, "but it's no use. He insists on staying by the young mistress's side, saying that he must be the...