"What?"
For perhaps the first time since Riley had entered the chamber, genuine disbelief appeared on her beautiful face.
She stared at him as though she had suddenly heard something completely absurd.
Riley, meanwhile, remained completely serious.
"Don't misunderstand me. I'm treating your condition, not doing anything improper."
Elder Althea's expression remained suspicious.
"Then why do you need me to do that?"
"Because I need to examine the cold energy directly," Riley explained calmly. "If I can't see how the frost is circulating through your body, I can't determine the proper method to remove it."
Elder Althea hesitated.
Her eyes remained fixed on Riley.
After a long silence, she finally realized that if he truly intended to help her, she would have to trust him to some extent.
"Very well."
She slowly walked toward the bed.
"But if you try anything improper, I won't hesitate to act."
Riley smiled faintly.
"That's exactly how it should be."
