My heart leaped as Mrs. Dubois's eyes fluttered open, revealing the warm hazel irises I'd come to associate with safety and kindness.
"Elara..." Her voice was barely above a whisper, frail and cracked, but she was looking directly at me.
"I'm here," I whispered, gripping her hand tighter. "I'm right here."
A ghost of a smile crossed her pale lips. "You stayed."
"Of course I did," I said, tears pricking at my eyes. "I would never leave you."
Alistair bolted forward, nearly knocking over his chair in his haste. "Beatrice! My God, you're awake!"
Her gaze shifted to him slowly, recognition dawning. "Alistair..."
"Don't try to speak," he urged, smoothing back her hair with trembling fingers. "Save your strength."
She shook her head faintly. "I need to..." Her words trailed off as her eyes grew unfocused. The light of consciousness that had briefly illuminated her features began to fade.
"Beatrice?" Alarm shot through Alistair's voice. "Beatrice!"
