Thoren
The machines were too quiet.
Each beep, each shallow breath that moved her chest, felt like a countdown. Like the gods were sitting in judgment just outside the door, waiting to see if I’d finally be punished for what I did to her.
She looked smaller somehow.
Fragile.
Not the woman who stood up to me, challenged me, dared me to feel things I wasn’t ready for. This Nevara was pale and still and fighting for every ounce of breath.
And I couldn’t help her.
Not yet.
The door opened behind me.
I didn’t look up.
“I came as soon as I heard,” Michelle said softly.
Still, I said nothing.
She crossed the room with slow, careful steps, stopping just behind me. “Thoren…”
I turned my head slightly.
She saw her on the bed—and her breath caught.
“Oh my gods,” she whispered. “I’m so
