~HAZEL~

"I have to get you back to the cave, where I can ensure you receive proper care," Ashton tells me, his voice tense. "There should still be some medicine left that Ariel brought for me, which might help ease your pain and stabilize your condition."

"I don't think that is necessary," I lie. "I should be okay in a few hours. The bruises aren't that deep."

He frowns as he looks down at the sharp cut to the side of my breast. "This is deep, Hazel," he tells me, his voice tense. He ...