Kai sat on the bench outside the infirmary, elbows resting on his knees, head down, hands clasped tight.
The hallway was quiet.
His mind was a blur.
Then shuffling sound made him lift his head.
He looked up—and saw Riven limping toward him, half his body wrapped in bandages.
Kai raised a brow. "You look like hell."
Riven chuckled, wincing slightly as he dropped onto the bench beside him.
"Eh, nothing serious. Just someone decided to hand me my ass today."
Kai snorted lightly, shaking his head. "Figures."
Before Riven could reply, the infirmary door swung open again.
The healer, an older woman with sharp eyes and tired hands, gave a short nod. "You can come in."
Kai stood instantly. Riven limping after him.
Inside, Drakelet lay on a padded table, bandages wrapped tightly around his small body.
His chest rose and fell—slow, but steady.
Kai's heart squeezed.