Chapter 236: The Breaking Deal

XENOIS "His vitals are spiking," one of the nurses reported. "Heart rate elevated, brain activity increasing. It's like he's responding to something."   I looked between Riley's unconscious form and Lake's suddenly active monitors, understanding dawning with sick certainty.   "They're connected," I said quietly.   "Whatever bond they have, Lake can sense that Riley's in distress."   Dr. Sloane nodded grimly. "We need to get Riley stabilized quickly. If his condition worsens, it could trigger more complications for Lake."   The next few hours blurred together in a haze of medical procedures and hushed conversations. Riley was hooked up to IVs, his dehydrated body desperately absorbing fluids and nutrients while we sat vigil beside his bed. Dr. Sloane had been clear about the severity of his condition -- three days without proper food or water, combined with the psychological trauma he'd endured, had pushed his young body to its breaking point.   "We're taking him home," Lumina announced