He'd been dabbing the sweat away from her face, and had just stepped into the bathroom to rinse out the cloth and refreshen it. Erik had the sternest expression on his face, like he was forcing himself to be brave, to hold on for her. She looked wretched, and he'd resigned himself that he could not do anything to help her despite the extensive knowledge he possessed. It was supernatural, something he was ill equipped to handle.
So he'd been waiting with her, sleeping very little, eating even less, just to stay by her side. He didn't want her to die. He needed her. The thought of being alone all over again scared him.
He returned shortly and sat down on the edge of the bed with the wet washcloth, wiping her cheeks and forehead softly as he forced a smile to his lips. It was all he could do not to weep bitter tears over this.