Valina carefully lowered herself onto the edge of her bed, and looked down at her right leg. It was still wrapped in makeshift bandages. God, she was tired. But she had to do this before she could rest, and Chalea would still want to speak with her privately. She made a small incision on her thumb, and drew blood.

She formed the ice around the leg–it would help keep her from losing any more blood as she proceeded. After a few minutes, Valina let the ice dissipate and set her jaw. She ...