Kael's heart lurched as Nerine's body went limp in his arms.
"Nerine—!" His voice cracked, echoing through the yard as he lowered her gently, his gloved hand cradling the back of her head. Her skin was pale, almost translucent under the golden glow of the candles. For the first time in a long while, his composure shattered.
Madam Helen rushed forward, clutching her skirts. "What happened? My goodness—get the physician!"
Kael didn't answer. He pressed two fingers against Nerine's pulse. It was there—soft but steady. Relief loosened the tension in his chest, though his eyes still burned with worry.
"She just fainted," murmured Elizabeth, hovering near. "She's been restless these past few days."
Kael's gaze flickered to her, then back to the woman in his arms. "Restless," he repeated under his breath, as though the word itself mocked him. "I should have come sooner."
