#Chapter 45: The Blood Moon

When I awoke, I was surprised to find myself in my own bed, while the physician tended to Elva beside me. I looked around the room, but Nicholas was gone. I wondered how long he stayed. Likely not for very long. He did dislike me, after all. Still, he had been kind to stay at all, even with all the layers of hurt between us. He had been kind to me last night, and I would not soon forget it. I rose and dressed, and by the time I was done, the physician was ready to talk to me. “She should have a full recovery. She will need to rest for a day or so. Her body is fatigued from fighting off her illness so hard.” I thanked her, though my relief did not fully squash my guilt. Elva had only been in danger at all because of my inability to protect her. If I had stayed away from her until I was absolutely certain I was healed, she might never have gotten sick. The thoughts plagued me even after the physician exited the room. No sooner had she gone than Mark entered. “All of the girls are