Elara’s hand gripped Julian’s stretcher tightly as the helicopter lurched, slamming into a steep snow cliff. The sound of the engine exploding mingled with the pilot’s scream, which cut off instantly. Julian didn't feel the impact. The darkness had swallowed him first, dragging him into a vortex of dreams about burning balsa wood models and his father’s face fading behind a golden mist.
"Julian?"
"Mr. Ravenscroft, can you hear me?"
The voice sounded very far away. Julian tried to open his eyelids, which felt as heavy as lead. The sharp scent of ozone and sterile antiseptic pierced his nose. He blinked, adjusting to the blinding white LED light from the ceiling.
"Where... where am I?" Julian whispered. His voice was raspy; his throat felt as if he had just swallowed hot sand.
"You are
