"Step back a little," Jennifer said softly, her hands glowing faintly as she withdrew the last thread of healing qi, "his condition is stable now, but I need room to work properly."
"We're not leaving," Lira replied immediately, her voice tight with emotion, "just tell us what you need."
"Give me the space to do my duty," Jennifer answered calmly, "you hovering won't help him heal faster."
"Fine," Selene said after a short pause, "but we stay close."
"Xavier," Nyx said quietly, leaning closer to him, "can you hear us clearly now."
"I can," Lucas replied hoarsely, "and I feel much better than I should."
"That's because you scared us half to death," Henrietta said, her tone sharp but trembling underneath, "do you have any idea what it felt like watching you burn like that."
"I do now," Lucas said gently, "and I'm sorry."
"Sorry doesn't cover it," Lira muttered, rubbing another layer of ointment onto his arm, "don't ever do that again."
"Lira," Lucas said, "mirror."
