The Longest Night

Days went by and her temperature rose and dropped consistently, her lips were cracked and under eye sunkend from stress, she looked nothing like herself.

I stayed

Constantly reassuring myself that she'll be fine.

But two mornings later, I woke with her body burning in my arms.

Her skin was flushed red, damp with sweat, her breathing ragged. I jerked upright instantly, my hand flying to her forehead.

Too hot.

Far too hot.

"Violet?" I called, shaking her gently, panic scraping down my spine. "Violet, wake up—"

She didn't stir. Her eyes fluttered but didn't open. Her lips parted in a soft, incoherent moan, and then she stilled again.

"Liora!" I shouted, my voice shaking. "Get Maren! Now!"