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     I tried to act normal, but the news that Karma and Myata were still alive sparked a flicker of hope in me. Saving them would be a death wish, highly trained elves like them could disintegrate me with a single spell, but I had to try. I had promised they'd be safe in the safehouse. But I was betrayed. They were caught because of me, because I was naïve. That damned snake Dorothea…

I grabbed the barrel of goat's milk and moved to the back of the counter, my mind racing. After a couple of minutes, Minho followed, placing a hand on my shoulder, his eyes searching mine.

"You holding up?" he asked, concern lacing his tone.

"Mm," I grunted, trying to mask my inner turmoil. "How's your mother?"

"She's doing better. Just took the medicine."

"Good…" I replied, though my mind was elsewhere.

Minho glanced over at Barton, who was making silly faces at Janet. "How's the baby? You think she'll be alright with just goat's milk?"