"She hasn't slept for long in months," Doctor Xenos said quietly. "But she became calm after hearing you might come. She slept for nearly six hours."
Vael's jaw tightened. The muscles in his neck tensed with tension, and he had to force himself to unclench his teeth.
"Thank you, Xenos."
The doctor bowed again. "I'll ensure there's no disturbance."
He walked away, his footsteps fading down the hallway, and then it was just Vael and Theon and the closed door.
Theon looked at him. "I'll wait out here."
Vael nodded. He reached for the door handle, his fingers trembling, and he pushed it open. He stepped through, and the door clicked shut behind him.
The room was small but not cramped—a bed against one wall, a chair against another, a window that was bolted shut. The walls were bare, and the air smelled faintly of her.
A scent he remembered too well.
The figure by the window turned her head. And Vael was met with piercing green eyes.
