I fell silent at Rafayel's words, a heavy quiet settling between us. After a moment's hesitation, I rather awkwardly raised my thumb, gesturing that we ought to follow the doctor to the intensive care unit where Eldric's daughter would be receiving treatment.

I didn't wait for him to take the lead. I just started striding, as if by moving fast I could outrun the dazed exhaustion that clung to everything.

After a second, Rafayel fell into a step beside me. I could see him checking, with discreet sharp glances, for threats in the crevices of the hospital, every janitor, every nurse, every inexplicable hush in the airflow of antiseptic and...