Without turning around, Arthur knows who it is.
"Thanks," he murmurs.
"Anytime, Art." Liam pats Arthur's chest, firm and grounding, like an anchor.
"You okay?" he adds quietly.
Arthur takes a deep breath. The air still feels too thick in his lungs, like smoke that hasn't cleared yet.
"I have to be, right?" He looks at Liam, managing a very faint smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.
Liam sighs, the sound heavy with understanding. "She'll be alright, Art. We just have to trust her."
He hesitates, then adds, "For some reason, I keep thinking she's as strong as Teacher Theo. Which is impossible, I know. But still… I don't know. I just know she'll be alright."
Arthur nods slowly. "Yeah. I know she's strong."
He exhales. "I used to think she was the weakest among us. But now…"
He trails off, then shakes his head. "I don't even question her abilities anymore. I worry, sure. But not because I think she's weak."
