"Okay." Venus doesn't pass out, but with the tension to survive removed from her, with the feeling that she will be safe, she stops fighting. She allows herself to rest, and it's like releasing her grip on something, like going slack. She rests her head against Sam's shoulder, barely feeling his thumb as it strokes her cheek.

She's silent for the rest of the time it takes to find Albert and Jet, breathing peacefully, eyelashes fluttering.