Nieah's breath hitched at the sound of her name on his lips.
"I am here," she replied softly, steadying her voice even as she felt her heart lurch. Her thumb brushed his cheek again, trailing her fingers down to the side of his neck to feel his thumping pulse. It was still so strong.
"You did well by coming back here. You held on. But I need you to stay with me a little longer, Casilo. Can you do that for me?"
His lashes fluttered, his focus already slipping.
"That's it," she murmured, calm and unwavering. "Just listen to my voice."
She straightened abruptly, the tenderness giving way to sharp urgency. Turning to the two guards who had remained behind, she fixed her gaze on one of them.
"You," she said, already moving. "Heat one of your swords in the hearth. As hot as it will go. We must cauterize the wound or he will bleed out before the physician arrives."
The guard did not hesitate. He pivoted and rushed to the freshly lit hearth, shoving the blade deep into the flames.
