Valka
Present
I shiver, twisting onto my side as the ache tears through me. It's spread from my stomach to my chest. Every breath feels like needles are pricking through my ribs.
A firm hand presses me against an equally firm chest, shielding me from the cold, but it's useless. The chill is in my bones. It's killing me from the inside out. Another ragged sob slips from my lips.
"We'll get you to a healer soon," a low, soothing voice murmurs against my ear. "Hang in there."
I vaguely remember Lucien pulling me from the carriage, wrapping me in bundle after bundle of blankets before setting me on his horse and holding me close. He bit his wrist and fed me with a mouthful of his blood, and it had kept the fever at bay all night.
But it returned by morning with renewed vengeance, eager to take me down the deadly plunge.
Lucien had no choice but to send the party ahead, veering through the northern passes to find the closest physician.
