Emily was silent a long time. She sat down next to Ashton, keeping the cool cloth to his head.

Ashton held an important part in Emily's heart. He'd championed her cause to Godric, and had been the first to see that she and Godric were in love with each other. Without his cool head and warm heart, the pair might never have believed enough in their love for each other.

Ashton began to close his eyes and Emily slapped him forcefully across the cheek.

"Don't you dare ...