Page 47 of Terror at the Gates

There was nothing nice about it.

“Two days of complete rest. If you’re feeling better by then—no dizziness, nausea, headaches—you can return tolightactivities,” he said.

I didn’t like that he glanced at Zahariev as he spoke, likehe was somehow responsible for mylevel of activity.

“After a week, you can return to regular activitiesifyou are symptom free. Take something for pain as needed,” Dr. Mor continued as he shucked off his blue gloves. “If your headache worsens, your vision changes…call me immediately. Any questions?”

“No,” I said. “Thank you, Dr. Mor.”

He smiled. “Of course, Miss Leviathan.”

The doctor shoved his gloves in the pocket of his coat, zipped up his bag, and left, nodding to Zahariev as he went.

Alone, we stared at each other.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Are you asking because you care or because you want to question me?”

“Both,” he said.

He didn’t move from his place against the wall. He was dressed down, in dark jeans and a black shirt. His hair was wet and hung messily in his face. I didn’t think he’d showered, so I assumed it had been raining again.

I sighed. “I don’t know what to tell you,” I said. “Gabriel called me a taxi. The driver was fine until he hit someone. It turned out to be Koval. Then Burke attacked the driver once he was out of the car. It was like a setup.”

“Maybe it was,” said Zahariev.

“But why?” I asked. “And why would they risk it?”

It didn’t make sense. They knew who I was. Even estranged, I was still a daughter of Leviathan.

“I don’t know,” Zahariev said. “But they did.”

I frowned. Something about it still didn’t seem right.

Burke had begged me to kill him. It was like, he’d been possessed, and in a moment of clarity, he’d begged me to stop him. I considered telling Zahariev what I’d seen—aviolet glow to his eyes—but now I questioned if that had been real. It was more likely a reflection of the surrounding neon lights.

“What now?” I asked.

“Youare going to rest,” he said. “That means no work, Lilith, until the doctor says otherwise.”

“Zahariev—”

“It’s a week, Lilith,” he said. “A week, and you can start.”

I didn’t know why I was arguing. I knew I needed rest. I guessed I was just afraid when I was ready, the offer wouldn’t be there anymore.

“Don’t you trust me?”

I frowned at him, brows lowering. “Of course. Why would you ask me that?”

“Then trust me right now,” he said. “I won’t rescind my offer.”

My face grew hot. I was embarrassed that I had panicked. “Thank you.”

Zahariev said nothing and then offered his hands. “Let’s get you home.”

I took them, aware of his warmth as his fingers closed around mine. I got to my feet and stared at Zahariev’s chest until my head stopped spinning.

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