Book 1: Chapter 43

"Bronx?" I say shyly. I hope he is sleepy enough that he will just say yes to my request.

"Yeah, Baby?" He responds sleepily. His voice is almost a whisper.

"I want to do something for you, but I need your permission and I'm afraid you'll say no." I try to sound casual and calm.

The light of the moon shining through the window is the only light allowing me to see his reaction. He opens his eye, and looks at me with concern, but his voice sounds suspicious of my motives. "Why would I ever tell you no? More importantly, why would you need permission?"

"I-I want to heal you." I sit up, facing him. "I don't want you to end up with scars like mine. I know in Blood River having scars is a badge of honor, but this is different."

"You're right. I'm going to say no." He rolls gingerly on his back away from me and stares at the ceiling. "It isn't your burden to bear. I don't want you to waste your precious strength on something like that. You're healing yourself. You don't need to heal me,