Chapter 87

Aisha's POV The walls of the Golden Pack hospital came into view just as the late morning sun bathed the building in gold. Beside me, Simon's hand brushed mine, offering silent reassurance as I cradled the glass vial like it was spun from glass and magic. In a way, it was. The amber sap shimmered faintly within, thick like honey, warm like hope. From the moment Thomas handed it over at the neutral hospital, I hadn't let it leave my hand. "She'll be okay," Simon said quietly. "I know," I replied. "But it still feels unreal. What if it doesn't work?" He smiled softly. "You said it yourself—if any healing sap could restore her voice, it's this one." Yes, that's what I said because I was so sure. The studying I had done while at the neutral hospital with Thomas showed that. I wanted to do something nice for Emma so her lack of speech wouldn't limit her. The guards at the hospital gate recognized us immediately and waved us through without question. Word of our trip must have reached them a