ence

swirling vortex of suspicion, rage, and a s

palms were slick with sweat, but I couldn't show an ounce

n. She shrieked, "Caelus, don't believe her! How could she p

g to push me away, but

ne dying in that room is your son, not mine. Are you sure you want

ck to Caelus, her voice a pleading

I couldn't be trusted, but Aidan's fadi

tee?" he finally as

a doctor, I would never say that to a patient's family. But now, to

the original Florence's attendants, but her shifty eyes tol

ff," I said, turning to Ruby. "You. You'

nd instinctively looked

rence, on what grounds do you dismiss

"My domain, my rules. If I don't even have that much auth

ed at both Ruby and Catharine, "Do

ned from Catharine's face. It was the first t

I turned back to Caelus. "N

concession. "Fine. I agree. If you can save Aidan, I swear I

ld smile. "I want you to swear an

ow a dragon could make. To break it meant inviting a backlash from o

ake such a binding oath for a Dragonless wo

your luck!"

unyielding. I knew his type. Without an abso

de, but with Aidan's breathing growing

rrendered. He closed his eyes, raised his right hand, and be

ould feel the very air vibrate, an invisi

. If Florence Wilkerson saves the life of my son, Aidan, I will pardon all transgressions of her and her son, Aethan, a

iest stone in my heart fina

e patient. And prepare high-proof spirits, candles,

. Healing required such things? It sound

ciously, "What do

bloodletting," I said, deli

s I had requested, shrieked, "