She turned toward the door where Sebastian leaned against the wall, arms crossed, cloak draped over one shoulder. His eyes met hers.
"It's time," he said softly.
She glanced once more at Heappal. Then she nodded, stepped back, and she knew she'll follow the hunter into the dawn.
Thalia had gone upstairs to gather her things. The soft creak of the floorboards above was the only sound besides the quiet crackle of dying embers.
Sebastian stood by the hearth, one hand resting on the mantle, eyes fixed on the flickering flame. He didn't turn when the physician entered the room behind him.
"He'll live," the older man said calmly. "But he shouldn't be moved."
Sebastian exhaled slowly, still watching the fire. "Then he won't be."
A beat of silence passed between them. The physician moved closer, his eyes narrowed—not unkindly, but with the weight of someone who knew how to read men like books.
