They reconnected the monitors, set the IV line, and checked her vitals again. The girl was in deep sleep but out of danger. “Good work, team,” the surgeon said, already stepping away. Elena lingered, one hand smoothing the blanket over the child’s arm. “You’re safe now,” she whispered, though she wasn’t sure who she meant it for.
When the bay quieted, Elena turned toward the glass. Valorian was sitting again, perfectly still, eyes locked on the tiny figure inside. His fur had dried in stiff ridges, and his paws were raw from miles of wet road. Elena filled another bowl, slid it close to him. “Relax. You’re in home base now,” she murmured.