He nods to a pile of clothes in a chair beside me. “You’re discharged. You can get dressed when you’re ready.” He stands up and slips out of the door before I can say another word.

Alice watches him go, but says nothing. Instead, I’m left with my thoughts and an eerie silence from the wooded landscape around Hazel’s house. Alice turns to me just as a tiny thread of panic starts to enter my consciousness.

“Sel’s been walking the border most of the day. He knows you’re awake.”

I swallow, understanding her meaning.

Don’t hide in here forever. You need to talk to him.

I get dressed and make my way through the main room of the house, turning down the hall that leads to the screened-in porch. I pause before opening the door, knowing that wherever Sel is, he’ll be able to hear me step outside.

What do you say to someone who nearly gave their life to save yours? I remember the expression on Lark’s face that night in the Beast and shudder: immediate and total willingness to face whatever attacked us, as long as it meant I was safe. Not just willingness, but a resigned acceptance. Like he’d anticipated this day, envisioned it even. Not a death wish, but closer to one than I want to admit. The eyes of someone who’d imagined what it was like to die in service many, many times.

I may not understand the why of it, truly, but I can express my gratitude. I don’t want to die, and I didn’t because of him. I push the door open—and immediately stop when the shadow on the bench beside me melts into a familiar shape.

“Valec?”

The half-demon is dressed to the nines, as always. A purple-and-red brocade vest over a black button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Black slacks and shiny boots. “Hey, powerhouse. Nice to see you with your insides inside.”

“That’s gross, Valec.”

He winks. “So was seeing you bleed out in the dirt, sweetheart.”

I open my mouth to shoot back at him, but stop. He was there that night, and I owe him my gratitude too. “Thank you,” I say quietly, “for going to get William. And fighting with us.”

Valec studies me for a moment before nodding once. “Wouldn’t want word to get out I helped the Legendborn. Happy to kill your enemies, but I need to keep my good name as dirty as ever.”

I huff a laugh. “Right. Speaking of, why aren’t you back at the Lounge?”

He drifts over to the screen and peers out into the woods beyond. “I returned after you were stabilized. Came back when the doc called to say you’d likely wake up today.” He turns, leaning against a wooden post. “Wanted to see you again, in the flesh. Make sure you were real.”