She was still so very cold. And her pulse was no longer as thready or irregular, but it was much weaker than it should be, her breathing faster and shallower. But compared to how frail she'd been when he'd first held it, it was a practically a miracle.

She was weak and vulnerable, but she did not feel like she would expire in his arms.

A long pause while she brooded over her answer. What she'd say. How much she would say. Even how she would say it.

"I killed a demon tonight and nearly died for it," she said, voice hard. "Because I am a fool."

He could feel her trembling where she sat and she did not lean into him for whatever comfort he could offer.

But she didn't take her hands away from his, either.