Page 84 of Fire to the Stars

Her exasperated hand gesture slams down on the rolling tray. Two small medicine jars and a measuring spoon rattle. “Where did I lose you, Monsieur Estellio? Surely my other patients can wait. Your discharge, as well.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve received such a warm welcome from hospital staff. Hospitals are mandated to prioritize slayer treatment, but in a way, I’m glad they aren’t obligated to be kind. Slayers tend to have entitlement issues. Between the money and pride, most slayer parents don’t think to teach their childrenhumility.

“Would you mind starting from the beginning?” I ask. The deadpan look on the nurse’s face prompts me to add, “Please. And thank you, by the way.”

She sighs. “These are your pain medications. Pay close attention or you’ll stay in pain.”

As if on cue, the ache in my shoulder spreads up my neck.Great.The dose she gave me at around seven this morning only took the edge off. It’s midday, so I hope the instructions allow for another dose.

“Take two willow-bark tablets with breakfast and two with dinner for the next three weeks,” she instructs.

“Nothing with lunch?” The ache in my shoulder intensifies. “How are these supposed to keep me out of pain?”

The nurse gives me a pointed look. “The only way pain fades completely is if your body is numb. If you’re going to function, you’re stuck with these.” She shakes the jar of brown tablets. The label has my name scribbled on it. “Don’t get smart and think you can fix your pain with a higher dose. We’re not giving you more than this.”

“Fine,” I concede. An itch builds around my stitches. I rub it lightly through the bandage with my fingertips. I could use a tunic and coat. Warmth would help.

“This”—she points to the smaller jar, with about a half inch of white powder inside—“is sleep powder.”

That’s what Claire uses to sleep through her fear during the Ignition. “Why sleep powder?”

“The next few nights will be rough.” She shows me the measuring spoon. “One teaspoon mixed with water ten minutes before you sleep. Drink the full glass. No food or it’ll set in slower. Do it right and you’ll sleep like a baby until morning.”

“Shouldn’t I need more than that?”

Normally I wouldn’t question a nurse, but Claire brought home multiple full jars during our stay in Jardincourt. If she needs that much of the drug to sedate herself through the Ignition, one teaspoon can’t possibly have the potency for a full night’s sleep.

The nurse crosses her arms. “How much would you give yourself?”

“Half a jar per night?” I guess.

“Are you crazy? What are you trying to do, knock out a dragon?”

That hits me like a wake-up slap.

If Claire’s supply is that excessive, then her doses—

Gods.Gods.

Higher doses.Dragonsneed higher doses.

No. Not possible. She must be dealing it alongside pickpocketing to earn us money.

“Why are you pale?” the nurse snaps.

“I’mfine.”

“Good. You’re cleared to leave.”

The nurse bags the medications. Claire walks through the door, our coats draped over her arm. Her eyes remain averted. She’s just in time to accompany me to the inn.

Wordlessly, she helps me into my tunic and coat. The nurse hands her the paper bag, then leaves us alone.

“Ready to go?” Claire asks. “Lucy won’t rest without you.”

I shouldn’t have told her she’s beautiful. That was too forward, and too personal. She hasn’t visited for days, except to transcribe my Guild-mandated incident report, which included the dragon’s identity, location of slaying, property damages, andall involved injuries. With my hazy memories and my dominant arm in a sling, I needed my assistant to record everything.

She kept her eyes down throughout.