He looked down at her arm, trying to hide his distress. He knew no healing Craft. Knew few people that did other than the Coven itself. And somehow he doubted Surreal would forgive him for bringing them down on her head. All he could do was lift her up into his lap, and hold her tighter.

"Life changes," he continued talking into her hair, running one hand softly down her back. "That doesn't mean our purpose has to. You just have to stay ready, for when they do strike. Watch, listen. Keep safe those who don't even know they are being kept."