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“The hospital,” I whispered.

He nodded. Without a word, Ethan rose and unhooked the strap from the sofa cushion. A loud squeak sounded as he flipped the cushions down, adjusting the foam mattress as he went. “Are you sure?” he asked, poised to flip it all the way out.

I nodded and picked up my cell.

No visitors, I texted Evie. Not in the room and not from outside, please.

Her response was immediate. Everything okay?

Ethan is staying the night. Hope that’s okay.

A longer pause this time. It’s fine. I’ll have Rowan drop Ethan a tray of dinner outside.

Thanks.

You got it, friend.

Ethan stood above the bed, staring down at the mattress. He sank down and scrubbed his hands over his face. “This is ridiculous.”

“Are you tired?”

Ethan huffed a laugh. “I should be the one taking care of you.”

“I have other people to do that. Rest, Ethan. You’re safe here.”

Our eyes met. Ethan couldn’t remember our time together, but he knew something kept drawing us back together, even as he tried to resist our link.

He let out a heavy sigh, kicked off his shoes, and stretched out on the mattress.

I texted Evie one more time. Is there a way to prevent magic from getting into the room?

I’ll seal it, she wrote back. Need anything before I do?

Earbuds and a laptop.

I could almost hear Evie’s sigh.

If I give them to you, do you promise to only research and not sneak out in the middle of the night?

I smiled. My nurse would be extremely angry if I did. I promise.

Be there in a minute.

Oh! Can you drop a location pin to where you found me?

The message came from Rowan a couple of minutes later.

I blinked down at my phone. Siberia?

The thought of it made me shiver. No wonder it had been so damn cold there. Imagine if I had escaped. I’d have frozen to death by nightfall.

Another text came through. Evie’s about to seal the room. Yell or text if you need anything. I’ll hear you.

Thanks, Rowan.

No need for thanks. Just don’t leave the Keep. Evie rarely gets murderous, but when she does, it’s terrifying.

I’ll behave.