Lira’s urgent expression stayed with me as she helped Ember step aside so others could follow her out of the infirmary. I tried to stand. My body protested instantly, a wave of exhaustion washing through me so hard I had to grip the bedframe to stay upright.
Nathan was already there, steadying me with one arm around my waist.
“You are not walking on your own yet,” he said softly.
“I can,” I whispered stubbornly.
“I know you can,” he murmured, brushing a thumb over my cheek. “But you do not have to.”
For once, I let him have that. My legs weakened again anyway, and he slid one arm under my knees and lifted me. I expected him to sound smug about it, but his expression was soft, protective, almost reverent.
“Just for now,” I said against his chest.
“Just for now,” he echoed.
Felix wal
