Damon did not make it to the door.
Ester grabbed his clothes from behind.
"No."
He stopped.
"You've used that word too much today."
"So have you."
"With better results."
"Come back."
Damon looked over his shoulder.
"Ester."
"Jian Li just stabilized, you were almost chosen by two different cores, and you have an artificial structure using your arm as a compass."
"Exactly why—"
"Come back."
Damon stared at her for a few seconds.
Then returned.
"Five minutes."
"One hour."
"Ten."
"Thirty."
"Fifteen."
"Twenty."
"Deal."
Aria raised the notebook.
"That was frighteningly efficient."
"I'm learning," Ester replied.
Damon sat in a chair near the wall.
Elizabeth, who had been silently watching everything until then, finally approached.
"Does anyone intend to explain why a woman who was dying a few minutes ago is now alive because of a sword, an ancient network, and personal choices?"
Damon pointed at Aria.
"Short version."
Aria closed her eyes.
