The silence in Val's chambers felt heavier than ever. Only the sounds of crackling fire and Issa’s breaths filled the air. Hours had passed by since Val had fallen into that restless sleep.

Tomorrow, you bring me these herbs. Val’s voice still rang in her ears. And every time she thought about it, what had sounded like a threat to her now felt like a thin thread of hope. A chance for her to stay alive.

As the darkest part of night began to fade into the cold gray before dawn, Issa slowly ...