Madison’s POV
I thought the pain would fade if I stayed busy. I was wrong.
It followed me down the long corridor of the royal hospital, stuck to my skin and settled in my chest like a weight that it is hard for me to even breathe. Every step I took away from Austin, I felt how fragile I am in front of him, how much I want to go back to him and fight with him. I want to fight with him, I want to talk to him, I want anything with him but this distance!
“Madison,” the senior nurse called, interrupting my thoughts. “The west ward needs you.”
“I’m coming,” I replied, forcing steadiness into my voice. Here, I cannot be weak!
Work helped. It always had. The smell of herbs, the quiet groans of the injured, the pulse of healing energy beneath my palms, it calmed me down a bit. It reminded me w
