Damon didn't answer immediately. Instead, he gently cupped both sides of Jacob's face and rested his forehead against Jacob's.
"Please," Jacob begged softly. "Am I... dying?"
The question made Damon shake his head at once. "Of course not," he said firmly.
"Then what's wrong with me?" Jacob asked. "I don't understand what's happening to me. The heat in my body... I can't endure it. It feels like I've been thrown into a fire. My whole body is burning."
Damon could tell how hard Jacob was trying to sound strong, even though his entire body was trembling.
"There's nothing wrong with you, okay?" Damon said gently. "It's just a normal fever."
Even as the words left his mouth, Damon knew they were far from the truth.
"For now, let's get you back to bed so you can rest."
Carefully, Damon helped Jacob walk back toward the bed. Once they reached it, Damon guided him down onto the mattress and gently pushed his shoulders back so he could lean comfortably against the headboard.
