ia's breath hitched. Duncan was there, at the end of the corridor, his wheelchair positioned like a throne. He had followed them-o

n the door and gestu

a sitting area and a private terrace. But the illusion of comfort was shattered

ow, her eyes closed. She was murmuring something under her breath, her voice a dry rustle of leaves. Kaia moved cl

-a flicker of a memory too distant to gr

he legitimate aromas of lilies and disinfectant, coiling in the air. Its

Augusta Norton's skin had a grayish, waxy pallor, her breathin

ieve said softly. "She drifts in and out like

delicate flowers, seemingly innocuous. But her nose, her infallible, damnable nose, told

ok over. She reached out

ingly strong. Kaia gasped and whipped her head around. Duncan was right behind

do you think you're doing?" he h

. "Miss Harper, please be

n? I smell something wrong? They w

er voice tight. "I think... th

s of her wrist. He clearly didn't believe her. "Do not play games wit

wide with desperation, darted past his shoulder to the pillow. T

e first time, a sliver of doubt penetrated his cold certain

bed. Augusta Norton's body arched in a slight spasm. The heart monitor shrieked t