Ava's POV
“How often does he let out screams like that?” I asked the healer beside me as we rushed toward Zane’s room, the sound of his wail still bouncing around in my skull. The atmosphere hung heavy with the scent of medicinal plants and illness, turning my stomach inside out.
“This is the first time, Ava,” she replied, her brow furrowing, her tone hushed and tense. “I’ve never heard a sound like that come from him before.”
I got to Zane’s bedside and took his hands in mine, his flesh damp and chilled. “Hold on, Zane,” I murmured, gripping firmly. “You’re going to make it through this, I promise.” He struggled to rise, his weakened frame shaking, but I placed a soft palm on his chest, gently pushing him back down. His pulse was faint, scarcely beating beneath my touch, and I knew we
