Sophie floated.
Not asleep. Not awake.
The sedatives dulled her thoughts, but didn't erase them. Voices came like echoes underwater. Doors opened. Closed. Boots scuffed against stone.
“She's stable," a healer muttered.
“For now," another replied. “Surgery's at first light."
Sophie stirred faintly, lashes fluttering.
No one noticed.
Her hand twitched beneath the blanket.
---
Hours later, the door creaked open.
Footsteps. A soft rustle.
Then a whisper.
“Miss Kingsley."
Her eyes snapped open.
The young guard knelt beside her, cheeks flushed with panic.
“I wasn't followed. I swear."
“You came back," she murmured, voice hoarse.
He nodded. “There's one more chance. A supply wagon is heading to West Hollow before sunrise. I bribed the driver. He'll wait fifteen minutes."
Sophie
