as trembling under the light medical gown. A third healer came closer wit

. Caedmon requires much more essence compared to previous donations you did. You are at a very

," Elar

ere is no way anyone could blam

in her voice, but there was no hesitation in it.

ment more and nodded at her and o

in the position. Another healer made sure that the connection is establi

vious donations you made," the heale

ill

rief silence. Then, the pulling started-a deep and powerful pull that came straight

reath and clutched th

s," the healer advis

fore," Elaris managed

body tries harder to protect you." The healer applied a

s hard not to cry out loud. There was movement coming from behind the wall divi

d herself to ask between clenc

heir patient and returned after a while with a relieved expression. "

ed, but the pain hit her once

t to Elaris said, squeezin

oming even colder and weaker. The sounds of voices in t

e! The essence i

h in relief, hot tears flowing

serving her vital signs

s croaked, though s

a look with the other healers and then t

very sorry. There is no longer any

hroat, tiny and strangled, but she bit her tongue

d to force out, instead. "Cae

er whispered. "

Then it wasn't a

-

al activity; it could only lie still underneath thick blankets. All over her body, she felt like she was hu

pain was in

ppening inside of her. She allowed herself a few quiet sobs in the privacy of her

ive, and we can try again. We can have another baby once he's healed.

ermittently from sheer exhaustion, until the he

ven though the healers told her she needed to rest longer. She c

ok her down the hall towards his ward. H

against his pillows, still pale but definitely awake an

oice was thick with e

mbling hands, the wheelchair she rolled in, the exhaustion that mar

er voice was a bit shaky as well. "I'm just

voice was harder n

efore speaking. "Can you remember anythi

my state was getting worse," Ca

that I never gave before. There wasn't any time to search for another donor. Caedmon, ther

me w

f something entirely different. "I was pregnant," she told him

sort of mixture of shock and happ

e. And to be able to give you everything you needed..." Her voice caught in her throat. "It meant losing the child, Caedmon. I'm so sorry. But you're al

ost th

ice became q

have any other ch

armth entirely leaving his voice. "You made a choice,

in her voice. "You were dying. It was impossible to wait for you to wake

his fists in the sheets on the bed. "For years, Elaris. Do

that child wasn't my choice. I loved that child as much as you. But I couldn't keep both.

now, colder than it had ever been before. "You had no right t

now, helplessly. "You were unconscious! You were dy

I don't care about the reason. All I understand is that we were dreaming

o touch his hand, but he immedia

now. "You've saved my life, and I'm obliged to thank you for it. But each

aris asked quietly, though someh

straight in the eyes, his expression absolutely void of everything she