"How is she now?" Adrian asked, his voice low, as he looked at the medic who was currently in the room checking on Ariana.
The nurse wore a deep frown as she assessed Ariana's neck with her armament. That expression alone did nothing to ease the tension hanging in the air. If anything, it made everyone more uneasy.
After a brief delay, the nurse finally spoke.
"Her windpipe was compressed because of the pressure. That's why she's having trouble breathing. If it had lasted even a second longer… her windpipe could have been severely damaged. Or worse."
Adrian inhaled sharply and then went completely still.
Just a second longer…
And he would have lost her.
Just a second.
"Will she recover?" Ruby asked, her voice edged with impatience she didn't bother to hide.
The nurse nodded. "Yes. But don't let her swallow anything solid for now. And if the breathing problem persists, inform me immediately. I'll have to insert an expansion tube into her throat."
