Darius's POV
I knocked on the healer’s door. She opened it a crack, eyed me, and sighed.
“You have two minutes,” she said. “Then she rests.”
“That’s enough,” I nodded.
Sera was awake, propped up on pillows, some color back in her face. She looked tired, but present. Alive.
“We’ve got a lead,” I said, stepping closer. “Tonight I’m checking the drain under the west postern. Tomorrow, the Double Bend alder. Grey Fox’s meeting point.”
“All right,” she said. “Don’t go alone.”
“Cassian’s coming.” I touched my fingertips lightly to the back of her hand. “I’ll be back before you fall asleep.”
“I’m not keeping count,” she muttered.
We both knew she was.
⸻
In the corridor, a guard waited with two men and Kieran. The boy’s head was bandaged, but his eyes were clear.
“You sent the note?” I
