“He looks better charred,” a beautiful voice murmured. “But I thought you disapproved of burning.” Her lower lip trembled. “You have no obligation to ever forgive me,” the voice continued. “You owe me nothing. But I must ask.” She steadfastly stared straight ahead as his voice grew the slightest bit hoarse. “I seem to be missing a hole in my chest. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?” She exploded. “Of all the havïd things to joke about—” Swiveling toward him, she halted.
