Pain.
It was the only thing Lara felt as consciousness dragged her back.
Her head ached, and her throat burned. But it was her ribs that hurt the most. Every movement sent a sharo pain through her.
A hand pressed lightly against her shoulder.
"Don't move." A voice said.
She realized she was no longer in the cold, filthy cell. She could smell herbs.
"You've got broken ribs," the voice said, adjusting the torn fabric over her side. "You're lucky to be breathing at all."
"Kael…" she whispered.
"He's gone back to the castle." The voice replied. His hands moved with efficient care, dabbing her swollen eye with a cloth steeped in steaming herbs. The sting made her flinch, but his grip kept her still.
"Easy, girl. You've endured worse than this."
Her throat felt tight. She blinked at him again, and for a moment her vision cleared.
"You…" she whispered. "You're… the King's healer."
"Yes," Vane said.
