Astrid could feel him there, just as she did every time she came close to consciousness. But she didn't want to open her eyes, didn't want to face the disappointment she knew would be on his face. She had heard his pacing, his muttered curses, and couldn't bear the thought that she had brought any kind of trouble to him.
"I'm sorry," she whispered at last. She didn't open her eyes.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," Raiden answered quietly. His hand closed around hers for a heartbeat, as comforting as it was fleeting. "Let me know when you have energy to talk."
Astrid drew in a deep breath, then opened her eyes. Raiden helped her sit up, and they looked at each other in silence for a long moment, both lost in their own thoughts. Astrid was studying his grim expression, wondering how so
