{Seraphina's First Person POV}
I sat where Lirael gestured, though the moment I did, she tried to push herself up.
It was subtle at first. A shift in her shoulders, a tightening in her expression. Then it worsened. I saw the strain immediately, the way her breath caught, the way her hands trembled as she tried to lift herself properly.
"You don't need to get up," I said quickly, leaning forward. "Just stay as you are."
"No," she said, her voice quieter than before but firm in a way that made it difficult to argue with. "I must. You need my full attention."
"You already have it," I replied, but she was already trying again, and this time the pain was more obvious.
I exhaled softly, giving in before it turned into something worse. "Fine. But at least let me help you."
She didn't refuse that.
