Chapter 50

Suddenly they were taking Luce away from him on a long white bed, wheeling Luce through doors that swung shut in Gabe’s face. He ran a hand through his hair, wiping blood through his curls, and sighed shakily. This was out of his hands now. His body ached with exhaustion, but he stood at the window and watched the gray world outside through the pouring rain, his once brilliant wings curled around him, a damp, unpleasant smell rising from them.

Sometime later the woman came back. “Your friend is resting,” she said softly.

Gabe turned to face her. His eyes searched hers until he saw the truth written there—Luce was dying. He covered his mouth with the back of one hand to fight the tears.

“Can I see him?”

The woman nodded, pointing through the double doors. With long strides he crossed the room and entered the corridor beyond.