Chapter 20 Shattered Loyalties

• After the incident, there was an eerie silence. The normally lively and bustling packhouse seemed to be dead silent as everyone attended to their emotional and physical injuries. Elara sat next to Kieran, who was still asleep, in the infirmary. The burns on his skin and the fatigue engraved on his face indicated that he had been through more than he should have, but his chest rose and fell steadily.
• As she cleaned Kieran's wounds, Dr. Reid the packs doctor remarked, "He's strong." "He will persevere."
• With her fingers grazing the amulet around her neck, Elara nodded. The recollection of what it had done hung over her like a shadow, yet it had gone cold once more, its power dormant.