Chapter 172

The ICU hallway stretched before Beatrix, sterile and bright. Her footsteps echoed against the tile floor as she followed the doctor. The smell of antiseptic filled her nose, making her eyes water, or perhaps it was the weight of what waited ahead.

"Five minutes," the doctor reminded her, pausing outside a door. "He's very weak."

Beatrix nodded, her throat too tight for words.

The doc