I shake my head. “I can’t.”

Vihkir pouts. He shoves his creation toward my chest. “You can, and you will.”

“But… How did you even… This would cost a fortune to normally—”

He scratches his cheek with a single finger. “I do admit it was a bit difficult at first, since this is basically all ancient cables and technology I’ve never seen before… However!” Vihkir points to a corner of the room.

I squint and eventually spot Maxwell, asleep on a nearby bench.

“This one helped me,” he says. “I don’t know what a fortlume, or whatever it is you called it, is. However, I can assure you, this is rightfully yours.” Vihkir delivers the electronic limb into my arms. “We might need to make a few adjustments though, for, you know…calibrating, measurements and such. But! It should be complete in less than an hour or two.”

“How can I ever thank you?” I say, grasping his work tightly in my arms, unable to think, or to even find the right words. If this works…then I could…I could live again.

I could fight again.

Vihkir pets the empty spot beside him. He smirks. “Sitting down and getting it fitted by yours truly would perhaps be a start.”

My smile almost hurts my cheeks. I laugh and wipe a tear from my jaw. I’m going to walk again! I think. I’m going to get my leg back.

I’m going…to get my myself back.

“Sure,” I say, as I limp toward him.