I looked at Katya’s wound. The ice shard was melting, but slowly. Her eyes were closed. It didn’t take long for the guard to come back with a healer; it was Shigara. She knelt quickly next to Katya, and I could see her extending her senses with the Ralahin.
RalahinShigara looked up at me. “I am sorry. She is gone.”
“No!” Grace snapped. She couldn’t understand the words Shigara had spoken, but she understood the tone. Katya lay on her side with her head in Grace’s lap. “She’s— she’s—” Something seemed to break inside her and a keening sound cut through the air. She pulled Katya closer, rocking her body. “My sweet Katya… why must you leave me so soon?”
“I’m so sorry, Grace,” I told her. “This is my fault. I shouldn’t have gotten you involved.”
Grace froze and then turned her face to me a
