Though seeing her leave—and even more, having to potentially deal with the grump healer again—wasn't the most desirable option, he respected her free will enough to silently release her hand. She quickly left, and Edric was left alone in the hospital room, pondering over the explanation he was about to give to whoever tended to him.

Moments later, a healer—the same healer as before—returned without Miss Lynch. Edric tried to glance around him, but the bouncing brunette was nowhere in sight.

"Has she left?" he asked quietly.

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