Goodbye (2)

Lucius coughed again, this time for even longer, his body frail. A sheen of sweat stood out on his pale brow as his breath emerged, shallow and ragged.

Erik clasped his father's hand tighter to hiding his escalating worry, forcing a smile to provide some semblance of reassurance.

"How did you heal that fast?" Lucius asked.

"I got the beast's power. It was a Hevadrin."

"Ah… I see…"

His father's condition was far worse than yesterday.

Lucius reached up slowly to cup Erik's cheek with a trembling hand. His skin was feverishly hot. "My son... so like your mother... so strong. I'm... so proud... and... happy."

"Dad, hear me out; you are going to survive. I will go to New Alexandria, bring a healer here, and fix you up." To see his father this way was unbearable. "You're going to be alright. Just hold on a little longer."