Chapter 11

The doors to the operating room swung open, followed by the harsh screech of stainless steel wheels cutting across the floor. Elara's pale face had a faint, weak blush. As she was wheeled out, she reached weakly in Alder's direction, her fingers trembling. "Alder…" Almost mechanically, Alder stepped forward and took her hand. The chill from her hands seeped into his palm, but it couldn't dispel the strange unease in his chest, no matter what. As the nurses wheeled the stretcher into the ward, he heard his raspy voice say, "How did you fall?" Elara's lashes fluttered, as if she were recalling a terrifying memory. "I don't know. It felt like I stepped on something. My foot slipped, and I fell, just like that…" she whispered. Then, she paused to steal a glance at his expressionless face before cautiously adding, "I vaguely remember Zoe bringing marbles back. Maybe she accidentally dropped one…" Yet, she quickly shook her head and forced a weak smile. "But maybe I got it all wrong. Z