I forced the lingering shock of Seline’s cold outburst to the back of my mind, giving Sam a warm, tight nod as I stepped across the threshold into the cozy cottage.
"Lead the way, Sam," I said softly, brushing past a glowering Seline as Jake and my guard took up silent watch near the entryway.
We walked down the narrow, sunlit hallway and turned the corner into the living room. The moment my eyes landed on the couch, my breath hitched in my throat.
Liz was sitting upright against a mountain of plush pillows—and the second her gaze caught mine, her face lit up. With a slow, determined breath, she placed her hands on the armrests and pushed herself to her feet. Her legs were still visibly shaky, her frame thin and pale, but she was standing entirely on her own strength.
"Liz!" I gasped,
