Arthur's eyes snapped open at the sudden sound of a deep breath, just in time to see the woman's chest rise high before settling back down.
Vice Captain Tanya's face was now flushed… with a few beads of sweat shimmering on her brow.
The colour of her skin had returned, purged of all pale signs of sickness… and the hollow sections of her face had filled out just slightly.
While she still looked ghastly weak and frail, this was an improvement.
And to call the subtle return of colour to her cheeks, stronger heartbeat, steadier breathing and beating flame core subtle was an understatement.
In truth, the Vice Captain had just taken a dramatic turn from death's door and looked well on her way to recovery.
Despite all this, however, she didn't wake up.
The nurse walked up to the bed with her eyes unblinking. Her gaze was glued to the recovering woman like something didn't fit the picture.