Her suffering

[Denali’s POV]

“He’ll be okay.”

I don’t know how many times I’ve said these words since Hamilton’s departure, but each time they leave my lips, they do nothing to calm the tense woman beside me. Honestly, I couldn’t blame Naomi for how afraid she was for her husband since I too carried that same amount of fear for my own while he lay helpless in his bed in the infirmary.

“Hamilton is strong and wouldn’t let anything take him away from you.” I continue, gently passing Naomi’s leg.

“I know.” She whispers, though it is clear that she doesn’t quite believe it. “I know he wouldn’t, but what if...”

“No what ifs.” I say sternly.

No. We couldn’t let those what-ifs get the best of us, not at a time like this. We both needed to be strong and ready for anything, even if that anything wasn’t something we wanted.

“Should I make you something for your anxiety?” I ask, wanting to have something to do. “Maybe some tea?”

"No, thank you, dear.” Naomi says. “I’m okay, really.”