“His pulse is stabilizing." Erin kept her eyes on the monitor as the wagon bumped along the muddy road. Rain drummed overhead like war drums. Ashton lay unconscious on the cot, his breath shallow but even. A young medic across from her whispered, “You know who he is, right?" Erin didn't look up. “Everyone does." “Some people say he can kill with his stare alone." Erin finally met her gaze. “Then let's be glad his eyes are closed." The girl gave a nervous laugh and turned away. Erin adjusted Ashton's oxygen mask. One of his fingers twitched. “Still reacting," she murmured. “CNS intact." “Did you say something?" the driver called from the front. “Nothing. Focus on the road," Erin replied. In her pocket, the glass vial clinked softly against the compass she always carried. --- By

