Pollux and I fell into a quiet that felt comfortable rather than empty, the sounds of the fight beyond the tent walls the only thing moving between us. I stayed connected to Phoenix's emotional thread for what felt like a long stretch of time but was probably closer to ten minutes. The knowledge that I was missing the fight because I had needed a blood transfusion was deeply irritating. The bag hanging above me was nearly empty and my body felt considerably better, so I stretched my back paw out as a test.
It moved with me. A slight click in the joint and a residual weakness, but manageable. I felt something close to relief.
I gave a soft bark toward Pollux and he looked at me with one eyebrow raised. I lifted my head and rolled myself onto my stomach, which made him get to his feet.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
I am healed. I want out, I said.
