"Why does it feel like you''re trying to move me in here?" I ask, ncing around the room at all the small, thoughtful details she''s added. There are nts carefully ced on the side table, a soft rugid out beside the bed, and even the curtains aren''t the usual in white. My eyes drift to the corner near the bathroom door, where my duffle bag sits, looking stuffed to the brim. I shift my gaze between the two women and clear my throat, catching the sharp look in Ryker''s eyes before I add, "Please, exin."


    Kennedy looks a little sheepish but makes no attempt to soften the blow. "You''re needed for a lot of testing, and since you''ve missed every check-up scheduled over thest six months, the healers want you to stay a few days."


    I shake my head, trying to keep my tone polite but firm. "With all due respect, Luna, no thank you. They can take as much blood as they want to figure out what this toxin is, but I''m not staying here.”


    "Finn, you have to be healthy. Why won''t you let us help you?" Kennedy''s voice is pleading, her eyes searching mine for some sign of agreement. I just shake my head again and walk over to the healer who''s been lurking quietly in the corner. She seemed ready to let Kennedy beg me endlessly. "Greta, stay with him. Keep himpany," Luna instructs.


    I groan, turning back around. “I''m fine, thank you, Luna. Greta, go home and get some sleep. You''ve been up for over forty-eight hours, and you weren''t even in the same fight I was."


    The healer looks over my shoulder and asks quietly, "Greta, did you get hit with the toxin too?"


    "Not that I know of. They targeted Finn mostly," Greta replies.


    Another healer passes by, giving her some instructions, and I think I catch the sound of an eye roll. The tension in the room thickens.


    “So, are we extending your sleepover?" Greta nudges me with her elbow as she walks past. I nce over my shoulder and smile brightly. “I''ll take that as a yes," I say, following her.


    I have no clue where we''re headed, but I might as well stick close to my temporary entertainment for the next day or so. It''s clear Kennedy will get her way, and I''ll be theb rat as long as she wants me here.


    "Do we have to go downstairs? I didn''t even know there were rooms down there," Greta''s voice trembles slightly, and I can feel her fear from where I stand. That''s odd —she''s usually fearless.


    "I''m sorry, Miss Greta, but since we don''t know what you might have been exposed to, we need you and Finn to be isted. It''s just a precaution,” Luna exins gently.


    I step closer, surprised at how quickly they''re moving. "You okay?" I ask, slipping in right behind Greta, trying to get as close as she''ll allow while we''re still in public.


    "No. Not really. I don''t do basements," she says, shivering dramatically. "I need a room with at least one window."


    "Come on, it''ll be fine. We can go together and get this over with quickly," I offer.


    "Finn! I said I''m not going! Drop it!" Greta turns to face me fully, her anger barely masking the fear I can still sense radiating from her.


    "No."


    "What do you mean no? I''m not going down there. You can kiss my "


    I suddenly reach out, grabbing her face gently with both hands and pulling her close until our noses almost touch. "What exactly can I kiss, Greta?" I whisper. Her eyes widen, and she freezes in my arms. I take a step forward, and as expected, she steps back. I keep advancing slowly, inch by inch, until her back hits the wall. I hear


    a quiet whisper from the healer nearby: "Nice work."


    Greta jumps as the elevator begins its slow descent.