Vera draped a silk sheet over me just as Kai prepared to whisk me away from the back of the stage, while Zelig approached with the carriage. I let out a groan, itching to toss the fabric aside; every spot it brushed against felt like a thousand tiny stings, my entire body ablaze with discomfort.
"Stay strong for a bit longer. We'll have you back home soon, and I'll run a warm bath for you to relax in while I handle the preparations for our journey. Trust me, I've got everything under control. Nothing will go wrong on my watch."
I let out a small whine but stubbornly kept that torturous sheet draped over me as if I were donning fabric over a nasty sunburn. His cool lips brushed against my forehead, and I realized that I must be running a fever.
"Why is she so hot?" said Kai.
"Normally she would be in the water to go through this transition. The extra heat is part of the process, but as things are now she's far too hot. Quickly get back to your home and prepare," said Vera.
