AURORA'S POV

“Please… tell me, will she be fine?” My voice faltered with urgency as I turned to the witch, who sat quietly beside Alia’s fragile, unconscious form on the bed.

The air was heavy with silence and uncertainty. My hope was falling. The light cast shadows across the room. The witch’s face was gentle, her eyes held something that made panic boil under my skin. Even though she didn't speak, her eyes held fear.

The healer stood nearby, his arms across his chest. He had ...