Ryder’s POV

“Can I ask you something?” Amelia said out of nowhere, sounding hesitant—like she ever had to hesitate with me.

I cocked my head, trying to catch her eyes. “Baby, you don’t need a hall pass. Just say it.”

Her fingers trembled where they rested over mine. She drew in a deep breath, then let it slip out slow. “I want to try healing you.”

I froze. Did she even hear herself? She was still healing, still weak. Trying it now could wreck her.

“No,” I said, ...