“Thank you, Elmo," Claudia said gratefully.

“It's my duty," Elmo replied with a slight bow.

By the time Claudia and Bennett left the ward, it was one in the morning.

As they stepped out, they found the September night in Rarc had turned noticeably colder.

Taking notice of the chill, Bennett removed his coat and gently draped it around Claudia's shoulders.