Chapter 52

Not long after, the medical team took Elara to the treatment room. She was scanned inside a spiral diagnostic machine, followed by a round of blood tests, X-rays, and lab work. When she finally stepped out, Ashley tackled her into a bear hug. "Elle! You scared me to death!" With Ashley's loud outburst, Elara felt like she might die from shock herself. Ashley gave her a firm slap on the shoulder before pulling back, inspecting her face up and down with both hands. "Are you okay? No missing limbs, right?" Elara shook her head, signaling that she was fine. Ashley, on the other hand, looked far from fine. A bandage was stuck to her forehead with several adhesive strips covering her face, and one of her arms was in a cast, slung over the opposite shoulder. She looked utterly pitiful. Elara couldn't help but ask, "What did you do, dig up landmines?" "Worse. I got a near-death experience." As they walked out of the treatment room, Elara's mobile terminal pinged with a message, notifyi