"His breathing is getting quicker," said Medes as soon as Ina entered her cabin.
"I'm—I'm sorry, Medes. I hadn't seen you."
"Hurry," Mina said.
Ina ground, mixed, boiled and stirred all the ingredients hurriedly as Kier's breathing labored and quickened. Medes screeched in desperation as silently as he could while Mina gave short caws, and Mint's whole body quivered as she laid curled up next to Kier, whimpering as silently as she could. Ina's hands trembled as she tightened her fists, one of them squeezing the ladle she used to stir. The anxiety in her lower back tensed all the muscles in her body.
Her clothes dripped, soaked still by the rain falling outside.