This was too much to discuss in front of everyone. Already she felt that she was bordering on the precipice of vulnerability, allowing others to get a sense of her fear and hesitation. The moment his hand was placed against her back, she found the strength to move again and gave his arm a tug, pulling him to the edge of the room.

She could breathe easier with this space. No one was surrounding her, pressing in closer and watching her face, seeing signs of her weakness. There was no warning about any of this, no glimmer of a vision. Since they had arrived in this new village, she hadn't had a hint of what was to come. It was strange how such a painful and difficult ability had become a crutch for her. Now, she felt smaller and more fragile than before. It wasn't something that sat well with her.

"You can't go in my place. We don't have a choice with this." And if Jude and Francis were truly sick, they couldn't ignore the orders. Their lives were at risk. "I think I have to go, Robb."