The door of Lumina's inner chamber shut behind them with a dull, echoing thud, and Lumina's fingers tightened around Stella's arm as she guided her toward the bed.
She could feel the faint tremor in Stella's steps, could hear the uneven drag of her breathing and the soft, wet sound of blood dripping onto the floor.
"Sit," Lumina said quickly, reaching down to feel the edge of the mattress before easing Stella onto it. "Let me check the wound."
Stella hissed as Lumina's fingers brushed the torn fabric of her sleeve, then the sticky warmth of blood.
The skin around the wound was hot and slightly swollen. Lumina's stomach clenched.
"We need Lord Drex," she said, keeping her voice firm despite the knot of fear forming in her chest. "The poison is already working through you."
Stella caught her hand, holding it tightly. "No, my lady. I can slow it. I will use my cleansing veil… it will keep the poison from spreading too fast."
