Riven’s final words hit the room like a dropped blade.
“Not the only one who awakened.”
Felix stiffens before anyone else reacts. His posture snaps from relaxed irritation to sharp alertness. His eyes narrow at Riven like he is trying to read the rest of the sentence off his skin. “What do you mean not the only one?”
But Riven’s head tilts back into the pillows. His breath shudders. His eyelids flutter shut again. He looks like someone unplugged him from the world, every string cut at once. Even the healer flinches at how fast his strength drains.
“Later,” he breathes. “Please.”
Leah’s whole face crumples. She leans over him, brushing a shaking thumb across his cheek. “Rest. Please rest.”
Nathan’s voice is quiet but full of command. “Two warriors remain here in rotation. No one leave
