Evaline:
I had patched Rowan up more times than I could count since the term began. Every time he slipped back into our dorm late at night, bruised and cut from whatever it was he did when he disappeared, I took care of his wounds.
I never asked him questions. I told myself it wasn't my business. I told myself he didn't owe me an explanation. But tonight… tonight was different.
The moment I saw his injuries, I knew this wasn't one of his usual nights. His body was trembling - not just from the cold, but from the sheer weight of pain he was trying to swallow.
"We need to get you to the infirmary. Now," I blurted, jumping to my feet before I could think twice.
But before I could take a step, his hand shot out and wrapped around my wrist. His grip was weak but firm enough to stop me.
I turned to him, startled. "Rowan, what are you-?"
And then it hit me.
