"My Ruler," he said, panting slightly as though he'd come to me in a great hurry.

I stepped back from him, half-turning to allow him to see I wasn't alone. He bobbed nods and stared with wide eyes at my sister and the drach before gulping down a breath of air.

"What is it?" Had he found a cure? At least we'd be able to save some of the demons. Who was I kidding? We might be able to save Ram.

But the little cook's face twisted into despair. "I'm sorry," ...