Val didn't look back. His mind was now set on one thing: the human.

He walked swiftly to Issa's chamber. The door was still slightly ajar. He pushed it open and stepped inside, the soft light from the main suite barely reaching the bed. The heavy curtains were still drawn, keeping the room dim and quiet.

He walked to the bed. Issa lay still, almost swallowed by the thick furs. She looked worse than before. Her skin was paler, almost grey. The green paste the physician had put on her now ...