Loren and Quain skidded into the doorway. They had their swords in hand. Odd wasn’t far behind. They shouted questions at us.

“Go explain it to them,” I said to Flea. “Wash your hands first.”

“Will he be okay?” Flea asked.

“I’ve no idea. Come back when he’s quiet.”

“Okay.” Flea shooed the monkeys and Odd into the hallway, then dunked his hands into the water bucket before scrubbing his skin.

“Up to the elbows,” I instructed before returning my attention to Yuri.

His cries remained loud and strong. Having been in his position, I empathized with him. I’d never forget the raw agony. It had felt like acid dissolving my insides. The only thing I didn’t know was how long it would take.

Each of his screams lasted for hours, or so it seemed. Helpless, I placed my hand on his shoulder to let him know I was there. Now I understood why Kerrick had attacked the Peace Lily when I’d been inside yelling myself hoarse. Right now I’d do anything to help alleviate Yuri’s pain.

The volume and duration of his shrieks eventually dwindled. Then, in the space of a heartbeat, he died.

I gasped, frozen for a moment. Drawing in a deep breath, I touched his forehead. No spark of magic. Nothing at all. I closed his eyes as the ever-present grief inside my heart expanded, washing over me.

It hadn’t worked. Was that what the Peace Lily meant? Should I give up trying to use the Lily to save people? Were Flea and I the only possible survivors?

Yuri’s eyes opened. Probably a reflex. But then he turned his head and his gaze met mine.

I stepped back. No life shone in his blue eyes. Pure terror gripped me. I’d created one of Tohon’s dead.

Tohon’s voice sounded in my mind. Not one of mine, my dear. Yours. He’s the first of Avry’s dead.

* * *

“Avry, stop yelling.” Odd shook my shoulders.

I focused on him. His face was inches from mine. He seemed concerned. Did I have another nightmare? Yes, I remembered Tohon’s sleek voice.

“What’s wrong?” he asked me.

“I...”

“Oh, no,” Flea said with his voice full of horror.

Odd turned. Flea stood next to Yuri, who had his dead gaze trained on me.

“Did she heal him?” Quain asked. He stood in the doorway with Loren.

“She...” Flea looked at me.

Oh, no was right. Not a nightmare, but I wished it was.

“Is he...?” I couldn’t finish the question.

Flea’s fingers curled into fists for a moment, then he steeled himself before touching Yuri’s skin. He snatched his hand away as Yuri turned his head to look at Flea. “Yes.”

I wilted, sagging against Odd. He grabbed me before I toppled.

“Will someone tell us what’s going on?” Quain demanded.

Flea backed up. “He’s dead. Like Tohon’s dead soldiers.”