Theo was not late in taking Nathaniel in his arms, rocking his son gently, as if he was trying to put him to sleep. He regretted it a mere minute later as he gasped for air at the healers words, having to concentrate not to drop the precious bundle.
'No.' He stared at her, then at the healer, shaking his head. 'She can't be dead, she's - No!'
'There has to be something you can do!' It was a plea and a demand at once, a necessity. How would he do this without Padma in his life? It just wasn't an option.