"Oh, bloody fuck," Azeka mumbled. She was seeing things. She had to be seeing things. Nothing in the world could make that kind of light; and nothing could possibly make her feel drawn to it.

She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the wall.

"This is not happening," she said. Her leg was throbbing, blood leaking though her tightly clamped hands, and she could feel a wicked headache coming on. Distantly, she could hear voices.

"This is non a your fucking business, man," Jess told Azeka's savior. "Just back the hell away now and we won't kill you. Go!"

"The other man arched an eyebrow.

"My business? Oh, it became my business once you tried to kill the princess of Tortall."

There was a stunned silence.

"What?" Azeka said. "What did you say?" The man turned quickly back to Azeka, as if having forgotten she was there. Quickly, he strode over and knelt down beside her. He flicked his wrist and a black cloud with white sparkles in it surrounded them. Then he turned to Azeka, and her leg.

"I am Numair Salmalin," he said quickly. "I am here to aid you. Move your hands please, Your Highness." Dazed, Azeka let her hands drop away. The man called Numair examined the wound closely as Jess pounded on the black light wall.

"I can't fix this," Numair muttered. "You'll see Alanna or Baird in Corus soon enough though. Just hold on, Your Highness." Azeka couldn't comprehend his words. She was feeling faint; she had lost a lot of blood, and dark spots were blooming in her vision.

"She was aware that Numair had picked her up only when she looked down. Her leg felt numb, and now her head pounded.

"Go to sleep." Numair murmured. He touched her temples briefly, and darkness claimed her.