”The reaction of the human body after a succubus feed.” Lauren winked at her and turned back to the book.

The memory of Massimo and Bo were suddenly clear. She remembered the pull in her chest, the paralytic sensation as her entire body was drained. Evony could see her life force flow from her, becoming weaker and weaker as an out of control Massimo struggled to stop feeding. There wasn’t much more she remembered after that.

”Where’s Massimo?” Evony asked, unsure as to why. She’d never cared where he was before.

Lauren looked over at her again and paused as if choosing her words carefully. ”He gave his life to save you.”

There was a feeling inside her then. An emptiness. Was it love? Loss? She hadn’t felt much of either in so long, she couldn’t be sure. ”And Bo?”

Another page flipped. And another. ”Closing the portal to Hel.”

”She saved my life, didn’t she?” Just the thought made her feel ill.

The doctor took a moment to answer. ”Yes, she did.” And turned another page.

Evony watched her rapt, her fingers gliding along the ancient manuscript, her eyes scanning before another page went by. Certainly no one can read that fast. ”So why are you still here?” Evony asked. ”Aren’t there Fae you could be neutering on the battlefield right now?”

Lauren’s eyes grew hard and the Morrigan delighted in the reaction, wishing she felt better so she could enjoy it more. She waited for the retort, the scathing remarks, maybe even another shot to the face, though if she had a choice, that would be her last. But she was surprised when Lauren sighed.

”I feel… responsible,” she said. ”For you.”

A hearty laugh escaped Evony and she instantly regretted it, holding her head gingerly. When her eyes could open again, she chuckled carefully. ”That’s where you humans always get caught – that sickening conscience.”

Lauren rolled her eyes and picked up the back cover of the ancient book she read. ”Look at you, Evony,” she said before slamming the book closed. It felt like a bomb had gone off in Evony’s head and she tucked her head between her elbows. ”Great and all powerful Leanan Sidhe felled by a headache.”

Evony pressed a hand to her chest. ”I died!” she exclaimed before batting her eyelashes in Lauren’s direction. ”Come on,” she coaxed, pouting lips a must. ”You’re a doctor, aren’t you supposed to heal the sick?”