Jenna’s eyelids fluttered weakly, struggling to adjust to the brightness that bathed the room.
“Ryker…” she muttered, the name falling from her lips like a final plea. She could’ve sworn she felt his presence, strong, lingering, close.
“He just left,” came a familiar voice. Jenna’s eyes opened fully to see the healer from the night before. “He came to make sure the job was done.”
It didn’t matter if Ryker had been there or not. The only thing that truly mattered was that her children were still alive.
“Thank you,” she whispered with a small, hopeful smile. Tears of gratitude welled in her eyes. “Thank you for saving my children… and me.”
But the healer didn't return her smile. Instead, she sighed heavily, her attention turning to the plants she was tending. Her face avoided Jenna’s ga
