The police dog barked twice, impatient. Valorian didn’t react. He simply waited, eyes on the small window. The younger detective crouched beside him. “You ready, big guy?” she asked softly. He looked at her for a long moment before turning back toward the glass, checking once more that the child still breathed.
When the ICU door closed behind them, the hall felt suddenly hollow. Valorian paused by the entrance, nose twitching, drawing in the scents of antiseptic and rain. Then, with a slow certainty that hushed every footstep, he started down the corridor. The police followed like pilgrims behind a silent guide.