Hours later.

The steady drip of water against stone was the only sound in the room. Drop. Drop. Drop. Their breaths were light, barely perceptible. The calm after the storm.

A faint groan broke the silence. Alynia slowly opened her eyes. The violet light still flickered above, but it was dimmer now. Pain radiated through her body. A sharp sting in her ribs, her right arm, and her left leg.

Alynia (internal thought): Broken bones...

She bit her lip, stifling a cry. Her head was slightly tilted, and she felt something heavy against her. She lowered her gaze.

Alynia (whispering): "Veil..."

He was there. His head rested against her chest, his tear-streaked face motionless. He wasn’t moving.

Her heart clenched.

With trembling fingers, she reached into her pouch and pulled out a small vial. Not a healing potion—it would be useless in this state. Just something to dull the pain. She uncorked it and drank in one gulp, the bitter taste spreading across her tongue.

Her breathing steadied.

She carefully moved Veil’s body, laying him gently to the side. Her sharp gaze studied him. His body was exhausted, but his breathing was still there—weak but present. Then, she noticed the wound on his chest.

The scar was fresh, but... it was there.

Alynia (frowning): "How…?"

She placed a hand over the scar, surprised by the unnatural coolness of his skin. Her golden eyes narrowed in disbelief.

Alynia (murmuring, exhausted): "You're tougher than you look, Pup…"

Veil's eyelids twitched.

Slowly, painfully slowly, he opened his eyes.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Their gazes locked.

Alynia (softly tapping his cheek): "Rest… You need it."

They prepared a makeshift fire, the silence stretching between them. The flames crackled, filling the empty room with their faint warmth. Alynia sat against the wall, her breath unsteady, her left arm pressed against her ribs. Pain was visible in every movement.

Veil (frowning, watching her carefully): "You're not in good shape. Let me help."

Alynia (surprised, narrowing her eyes): "Fine… Just be quick. I'm done with this pain."

Veil nodded. He pulled out some cloth from his pouch, ripping it into long strips. He knelt beside her, carefully unfolding the bandages. Alynia watched him for a moment before adjusting her posture, teeth clenched.

Veil (hesitant): "I need access to your ribs. Pretty sure they're cracked."

She held his gaze for a second, then sighed.

With slow, deliberate movements, she loosened the top of her tunic, sliding it down to reveal the bindings underneath. Her skin was covered in bruises, deep red marks spreading across her ribs. Her breathing was uneven, the pain barely restrained.

Alynia (dry tone, slightly amused): "Don’t stare too much, Pup."

Veil (exhaling, focused): "Yeah, yeah…"

He tore a long strip of fabric and began wrapping her ribs. His hands were unsteady from exhaustion, but he moved carefully, trying not to cause more pain.

Alynia (gritted voice): "You're too close, Pup…"

Veil (not looking up): "If I move away, I can't help you."

Silence settled between them again.

Alynia lowered her gaze. His hair was damp with sweat, his breathing was shallow, but he was still here. She watched his fingers adjusting the bandages, his touch rough but gentle.

Alynia (soft, barely a whisper): "Be careful… It hurts."

Veil (pausing, guilty): "Sorry…"

He loosened his grip, making the bindings less tight.

They were close—far closer than usual. The warmth of his hands, the careful touch of fabric against her ribs, his scent mixed with blood and sweat. It was... natural. No tension, no awkwardness. Just survival. Just trust.

The fire crackled loudly.

Alynia (murmuring, watching him work): "You've changed, Pup. Before, you would’ve just frozen."

Veil (brief glance up, surprised): "Yeah… But I still try not to freeze in front of you."

A small smirk played at Alynia’s lips.

They stayed like that for a moment, just feeling the heat of the fire and each other's presence.

When Veil finished the last knot, he eased her arm gently onto her lap.

Veil (exhaling, exhausted): "Done. Don’t move too much—it'll hold better."

Alynia nodded, looking down. She didn’t speak, but the silence was comfortable. No words were needed.

Alynia (soft voice): "And you? You look worse than me."

Veil placed a hand over his chest, where the wound should have been. His fingers brushed over the fresh but clean scar.

Veil (shrugging): "I don’t know… It still hurts, but there’s no blood, nothing except this mark."

They exchanged a glance. A deep, questioning look. Neither of them understood what had happened to him.

Alynia sighed, her gaze lingering on him longer than usual. She didn’t comment, but the intensity in her golden eyes said enough.

The fire continued to crackle softly.

They were both exhausted, on the edge of collapse—but this time, neither of them was alone. The fire’s warmth, and the warmth of the other, was enough.

Alynia (soft, looking at Veil): "Pup…"

Veil turned to her, his eyes heavy with exhaustion but present.

Alynia (gentle, almost a whisper): "Rest… You’ve earned it."

He nodded slowly.

Veil (weak voice, small smirk): "Yeah… But only if you sleep too."

Alynia let out a small laugh—but immediately winced, gripping her ribs. Her smile turned into a half-grimace.

Alynia (sighing, pain evident): "Idiot… Fine. Just this once."

They leaned against the wall, side by side. The fire’s light cast long, flickering shadows on the stone walls. Their heads drifted closer, almost touching.

Their breathing slowed.

The fire continued to crackle.

Finally… peace.