Page 136 of Dustwalker

Nancy didn’t pause to wipe the crimson from her mouth. “I’m fine. We need to calm her down before she hurts herself.”

“What’s happening? Lara?”

Lara stilled at the sound of that voice. Eyes wide, she turned her head to look between the strangers, catching sight of Ronin as he approached.

He’s here. He’s alive!

Tears filled her eyes. She wanted to leap at him, to throw her arms around him, but even if she weren’t restrained, she wasn’t sure she had the strength.

All Lara’s tension and fear fled her as his name escaped her lips in a broken whisper. “Ronin.”

The strangers shifted aside. Ronin fell onto his knees beside the bed and cradled her cheeks between his hands, spreading warmth through her face. His beautiful, intense green eyes locked with hers. “I’m here, Lara. You’re safe.”

The restraining hands lifted away. Pulses of agony flowed through Lara’s exhausted body, but she ignored them. Ronin was here with her. That was all that mattered.

“I need to see her arm,” Nancy said.

Ronin gently stroked Lara’s cheeks with his thumbs, wiping away the slowly falling tears. “Be calm. No one here means you harm, and I won’t leave you.”

He eased aside to allow Nancy access without breaking contact with Lara.

Nancy curled her cool fingers around Lara’s wrist, turning it to examine the open wound left on her hand by the wires.

Lara stared up into Ronin’s eyes, chest swelling with so many confused, powerful emotions. It was only because of his steadiness that she remained still as Nancy softly prodded her hand.

“Where are we? Where’s Warlord?” she rasped.

Ronin smoothed back the stray strands of her hair. “We’re safe. Trust me on that.”

After bandaging Lara’s bleeding hand, Nancy turned to the other strangers and ushered them out of the little space. “We’ll be fine. Let’s not overwhelm her further.”

She drew the curtain closed behind the last of the strangers and returned to Lara’s bed.

“Look at me,” Ronin said, calling Lara’s gaze back to him. “These people are helpingyou.”

Lara frowned, and her brow furrowed. “Where are we, Ronin?”

His fingers trailed soothingly along her hairline. “Somewhere safe. I’ll explain it all later.”

Nancy held out a tiny cup. “Lara, I’d like you to drink this. It will help with the pain.”

Lara looked from the dark-haired woman to the cup. When she glanced back at Ronin, he nodded. Whoever Nancy was, Ronin trusted her, and that would have to be enough for now.

She took the cup and stared down at the reddish-brown liquid inside. It had a strange odor, not unlike the booze at Kitty’s, butsomething was off about it. Her instincts said not to drink it.

“Best to swallow it quickly,” Nancy said, offering a reassuring smile.

Raising the cup to her lips, Lara hesitated before pouring it into her mouth and swallowing.

It burned like fire going down her throat. The flavor of the alcohol fled quickly, overpowered by a bitter aftertaste worse than anything she’d ever had. She winced, shuddering as the bitter taste strengthened, then coughed. Agony exploded through her chest.

“What the hellwasthat?” she demanded through clenched teeth, taking shallow breaths. Anything deeper sharpened the pain in her side.

Nancy took the empty cup from her. “Laudanum, or as close to it as we can manage. Our options for pain management are limited, but most people say the relief is worth the taste, once it kicks in.” She settled a soft hand on Lara’s shoulder. “Get some rest. You’ve been through a lot, but the worst is over. I won’t lie and tell you it’s going to be a comfortable or pleasant process, but all you have to do now is heal. I’ll check on you a little later.”

Nancy walked away, slipping through the curtain.

“It hurts so much,” Lara whispered, touching her side.