“I do not feel better,” Elara whispered to Callan one afternoon. “I feel like something is draining me.”
Callan frowned. “That is not right. Does your father know?”
She shook her head. “He believes every word Riona tells him.”
Callan tightened his grip on the bench edge. “I am going to find out what is happening. You should not be afraid to live.”
One evening he climbed the old oak that overlooked the study window. He had been ordered to stay away from the estate, yet he returned. Through the window he saw Riona and Dr. Myles speaking while sharing glasses of white wine.
Riona sighed. “She is becoming too aware. What if Gareth notices.”
Dr. Myles adjusted his sleeve. “He travels constantly. Increase the dosage. She will remain quiet enough.”
Riona tapped her nails on the table. “I need more time. The inheritance paperwork is not complete.”
Callan felt his stomach twist. He did not understand every detail, but he knew they were not trying to save Elara. They were keeping her weak for reasons he could not fully grasp.
The next morning Elara fainted before reaching her dresser. Riona panicked dramatically, insisting it was her health. Dr. Myles arrived within minutes and forced another round of medication into her hands. Within moments she grew dizzy again. Her limbs felt heavy as stone.
By nightfall she barely responded when Gareth returned home. Gareth pressed his hands to his face. “What is happening to her.”
Riona forced a sorrowful expression. “Her illness is worsening. You must trust me.”
Callan learned she had been taken to Briarton General Hospital. He followed the ambulance from a distance, running with every ounce of strength he had. He reached the hospital and slipped through the entrance before anyone noticed.
He saw nurses rushing her into a room. He ran toward them. “Check her chart,” he cried. “Please look at her medication. Something is wrong.”
Security caught him immediately. A nurse scolded him. “You cannot be in here. Leave before you interfere with care.”
Callan struggled as they pulled him away. “Please look at her records. They are hurting her.”
Gareth heard the shouting and looked toward the hallway. He saw a boy he had never met yelling as though his heart were breaking. Something inside Gareth shifted. Why would a stranger care so desperately.