Caleb's POV

The healing chambers smelled like herbs and something bitter that made my nose wrinkle. Candles burned on every surface and cast dancing shadows across the walls. Verity lay on the bed in the center of the room looking smaller than she should. Her face was pale and her breathing came in shallow gasps that made my chest tight with worry.

Healers moved around her with quick efficient movements. They pressed cool cloths to her forehead and held potions to her lips and murmured things ...