, wrapped in the dee

her room to Caspian's. She pressed her ear against the cold plaster, li

rning had been clear, and she couldn't ri

ant clothes, lay a set of compact, state-of-the-art medical diagnostic tool

ity. A legitimate reas

empty except for a single place setting for her. A maid informed her that Mr. A

the maid about Caspian's conditio

nge," the young woman said, her voice full of p

an?" Elara asked. "I'd like

'am," the maid stammered.

ough the air from the doorway.

rk, paused for a fraction of a se

bespoke suit. His assistant, Cole Price, hovered behind

said calmly, meeting hi

his eyes never leaving her face. "Elara Vance... A fine nam

r-old death certificate were her shie

ow. "Is there a problem wit

ch his eyes. "No. It just remind

u married my poor uncle for the money.

n napkin, and her movements were unhurried, graceful. "I

ng spoken to this way, especially by some

lse, you'll have to excuse me." She g

s on her back, but she had what she

oor, to Caspian's room. Two guards

er voice firm. "Mr. Arthur has giv

st communicator, confirmed her story

oor. The room was dim, smelli

ubes connecting him to the silent machines. His face was im

hildren. A man entangled in her f

monitors. Under the cover of adjusting his blank

strange, erratic flutter. It was completely incon

es nar

d. A complex, insidious neurotoxin s

uld sa

ck would be the ult

ed a silver needle, thinner than a human hair. As she smoothed the blanket over

could be drawn. The first dose was admin