Elina III

Amelia threw herself into the chair across from Elina's. She caught a cookie and leaned forward. "El, you do know if there's anything at all I could do for you, I'd do it."

God. She loved the children. They were all so amazing. Every last one of them. She was grateful she'd made the decision to go into that labyrinth, the chambers of utter horror, to get them out. She refused to regret that decision, no matter the price she had to pay--and she was paying it every single minute of the day.

She forced a reassuring smile. "I know I look awful, Amelia, but I'm getting better." That was a lie. The pain was getting worse. Pain and fear. She kept a close eye on the sky. Sunset was fast approaching and she'd go immediately into the house once the sun dropped out of the sky.

"No, you're not," Amelia whispered. "You're not, Elina. Please let Tensel or one of the others help you. A couple of the scariest ones are good healers."