Dain’s grip on Eli’s sleeve was stronger than Eli expected.
“Before the Tower opens,” Dain said.
Cael held a light against the floor while the second responder, a woman named Rhea, checked the position of the slab. She had brought an inflatable support and a short board, but neither could be used until they understood how the concrete was resting on Dain’s legs and the wall behind him. Keir remained at the opening, relaying their requests and keeping the narrow route clear.
“You have a message for me?” Eli asked.
Dain nodded. “From someone I trust.”
“Who?”
Dain’s eyes closed. Cael asked him to stay with them and report any change in his breathing. Rhea checked the space beside the slab and called for another support. The second tremor had shifted debris near Dain’s shoulder; she did not want to lift one piece only to drop another across him.
Eli kept the light where Cael asked. He had wanted to hear the message the moment Dain spoke of it. He wanted more urgently to move the slab. Both desires had to wait for a plan that would not make the injury worse.
