Chapter 6

I stood, looking out the window until the bright red sky began to darken. A slight knock on the door brought my attention back to the room I had ruined. I hung my head as I heard the door open. Footsteps began to approach me.

"It's time to eat." 

I watched as Lycher walked towards the bed, placed a tray on the table, and turned to look at me directly, sporting an unreadable expression on his face.

"Come then." He pressed, motioning to my bed. "Get in."

I let out a frustrated sigh but did as I was told, walking gingerly towards my bed and sitting down with an undignified huff.

"Sit back." He commanded.

I nodded, lifting my feet onto the bed and shifting so I could lean against the headboard. Once I was situated, I looked at the tray, noting it was laid with a bowl of broth, a decently sized piece of bread, and a large glass of slightly translucent, red liquid. 

"Bone broth, bread, and pomegranate juice."I raised my brow and he chuckled. 

"Pomegranate is known as the fruit that damned the humans to life outside of eden," He said, handing me the glass, "but in reality, it's an easily cultivated fruit that does well in warm climates."

I hesitantly took a sip and was pleasantly surprised at the sweet, tart taste. I took another sip.

He began to feed me, idly talking about his day to fill the silence. Before long, the bowl and cup sat empty on the tray, and I was faced with a spoonful of green liquid. This, too, I drank down with nary a complaint.

"Good job." He praised, dropping the spoon into the bowl. "Now lie down. I must check on your progress."

It was hard, moving with only one arm. I managed it, albeit slowly. Once in the center of the bed, I fell backwards with a content sigh. With a full stomach, I began drifting towards sleep.

"I'll be checking your top half today, so please don't kick me." He chuckled. I felt my face heat in embarrassment and shame.

He stood and moved towards me with a smirk, assuring me he held no ill will towards my previous actions. I let out the breath I had been holding and smiled back slightly, my worry quelled for a moment.

He began with the bite mark on my neck,  tilting my head to the side for a better view. He grimaced at the sight, prodding slightly at the inflamed skin. "Still painful?"

I shook my head. The pain had receded the day after the bite. I lifted my hand and moved my fingers as though scratching an irritation.

"Itchy?" He guessed. I nodded.

"It's a shame this happened to you." He said, lifting my shirt to expose my chest and abdomen.

I winced as his hands made contact with my broken ribs; he pushed slightly to gauge my reaction.

"Still tender?" 

I nodded and he moved on, pressing lightly while he made his way toward my left arm. He did not press or prod my arm, merely looked at its position before nodding and continuing downward with his examination.

He pressed more firmly, pushing his fingers into my stomach with surprisingly little pain.

"You had numerous internal injuries" He explained, slowly moving down my abdomen. "With a bit of magic and many remedies, we managed to repair most of the damage, but the rest is still up to you."

I nodded and waited for Lycher to finish. He was focused on my lower abdomen, pressing firmly around my hips. He grabbed my leg; I panicked slightly when he lifted my knee to my chest with one swift movement, still gauging my hip with his other hand.

He released my leg with an approving hum before repeating the process with my other leg. This inspection invoked far less panic.

He pressed just as firmly around my hip before letting my second leg drop.

"Everything looks good." He assured. "I'll check your lower half tonight while you're sleeping."

My eyes widened in panic and my breathing hitched. 

"Verin." He said calmly. "Your wounds are severe. Some were inflamed and infected. I have to check on their progress and change the bandages. If it eases your mind, we can do it now while you're awake."

I frantically shook my head, not wanting to feel hands anywhere near my lower body. The thought alone twisted my stomach in fear.

"Tonight then." He nodded. "I will sing to keep you asleep."

I nodded, slightly anxious, swallowing thickly as I watched Lycher grab the tray and walk toward the door. He stopped suddenly and turned to me.

"I'm bringing your sister with me tomorrow. She's been anxious to meet you. Try and clean up before we arrive." And with that, he left.

I looked around my room, groaning in aggravation before I grabbed the sheet, pulled it over my head, and promptly ignored my destroyed room. 

"I'll clean it tomorrow." I yawned loudly. I closed my eyes; sleep found me soon after.