Raven’s heart skips a beat as he quickly places his hands on the sides of Azzmi’s face. The light from the corridor allows him to see her clearly.

“No way,” he says firmly, his voice full of emotion. “I need you, and you know that.”

Azzmi chuckles bitterly. “But for how long? Tell me.”

Raven sighs, unable to find the right words. “You should get on the bed,” he suggests, trying to move things along.

“No. I need to know. It might not matter to you, but it does to me, so say ...