Octobris 1786
The hospital had grown quiet when Helenawoke. She felt weak as a kitten. She lay unmoving until Pace entered.
“How’s Lila?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
“Recovering,” Pace said in a tart voice. “Quite a miracle that she survived. All thanks to the recovery team’s quick thinking and daring rescue.” She cleared her throat. “They’ll all be medalled for bravery, and there were several Ember Services called, to devote prayers of thanks to Sol for his—grace in saving her.”
Helena stared up at the ceiling. “How long have I been asleep?”
“Three days.” Pace went over to her desk, sorting loudly through a drawer without removing anything. “I said you were quarantined. All that foraging exposes you to the elements too much, I think.”
Helena’s eyes threatened to
