“Yes, sir.” Seonu—now minus the wings—calls soldiers to her, and they form a circle around Trenton’s men. Trenton cuts me a look before he’s led down the ward, complaining in a loud voice to Seonu all the way. I don’t think I’ve seen the last of that captain. Or the Belangers.

Old-looking Belanger throws me a foul glare as Mason takes his elbow to guide him away. I turn aside without giving him a second glance. I don’t feel proud of what I’ve done to him, but I’ll never feel pity for the man.

The bustle of the ward returns, and my shoulders drop, tension leaving me like steam. That was over with a lot less drama than I expected.

Flanagan moves his attention from the parting soldiers to Laasya. He rests a hand on her shoulder and checks the bandage around her head. “Are you well?”

Laasya straightens. “I’m fine, sir.”

“Miss Shakti must lie down now, Commander,” the nurse says. “She sustained a serious head injury, then expended a lot of energy on the Whisperer.”

“No, I’m fine. I’m—”

“Go and rest. That’s an order,” Flanagan says.

Laasya silently squeezes my hand, and I return the gesture before she lets the nurse lead her away. I still can’t believe Laasya helped me after I caused her the “serious head injury.” She’s been so good to me since I arrived at Blackriver. I’d like to return the favor somehow.

Flanagan addresses Quinton. “Anything to report?”

“Tulsy and Petre are replacing the wards. Major Zahir is with the students in the Grounding suite. Captain Nelson and her team are collecting bodies. I thought it best if I stayed with Michael.”

Flanagan nods. “Thank you. If I can have a moment with Michael, Councilor.”

“Of course.” Quinton gracefully dips his head. “I will check on Laasya’s welfare.”

“Come,” Flanagan says and leads me down the ward, past beds of injured soldiers, and into a side office. The small room is only big enough for a petite desk piled with papers and one chair.

He closes and locks the door, then tugs down a blind to cover the window that looks out onto the ward. His intense gaze fastens to mine, and the noise of the infirmary falls away, leaving only silver and the whoosh of blood in my ears. Elation tangles with fear. He must have seen the destruction outside. The dead bodies sprawled across the mud field. I deserve whatever fury he’s about to blast at me.

“I’m so fucking sorry,” I stammer out. “I—”

I’m yanked into a hold so tight it steals my breath. With a hand in my hair, he fastens my head to his neck and circles my back with his other arm. I tense briefly before clutching his shoulders to bury my face in his warmth.

“Fuck, Flanagan. I—”