Awakening

Awakening

Basil groaned as he opened his eyes, his body aching from head to toe. The soft light of the room illuminated his surroundings, revealing a modest yet comfortable space. Bandages covered much of his body, a testament to the battles he had endured.

As he tried to sit up, he felt a warm weight pressing on his chest. Looking down, he saw Ferya curled up on top of him, her small frame rising and falling with soft breaths. Her hair was messy, and her face showed signs of dried tears.

Turning his head, he noticed Nytheria standing by the window, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on the view outside. She looked calm, yet there was a hint of mischief in her expression as she noticed him stirring.

The Teasing Begins

"Ah, look who's finally awake," Nytheria said, her voice laced with mockery. She walked over to him, her footsteps light yet deliberate. "How's the great conqueror feeling?"

Basil blinked, his memories hazy. "What... happened?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "The beast... Did I defeat it? Why am I here? I don't remember anything."

Nytheria's lips curled into a smirk. "Oh, the mighty son of the Dragon Queen? You got utterly wrecked by the beast," she said, her tone teasing. "If it weren't for me stepping in, you'd be dragon food right now."

Basil's face fell, disappointment washing over him. He clenched his fists, the weight of failure pressing heavily on him. "I couldn't even handle that," he muttered, his voice barely audible.

Seeing his reaction, Nytheria chuckled and leaned closer. "Relax, kid," she said, ruffling his hair playfully. "You're not as bad as you think. In fact, I've decided... I'll be your companion."

Basil's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why? I don't understand. If I failed, why would you accept me?"

Nytheria's teasing demeanor softened, though only slightly. "Let's just say... you've shown me enough," she said cryptically, turning away to hide the admiration in her eyes.

Ferya's Tears

Before Basil could press further, he felt movement on his chest. Ferya stirred, her eyes fluttering open. As soon as she saw Basil awake, her eyes filled with tears, and she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I thought you were dead!" she cried, her voice trembling. "You weren't moving, and you were covered in blood. I... I was so scared!"

Basil, caught off guard by her sudden outburst, hesitated before patting her head awkwardly. "Hey, I'm fine now," he said softly. "I'm not going anywhere."

Ferya sniffled, burying her face in his shoulder. "Don't scare me like that again," she mumbled.

Nytheria watched the scene unfold, a rare smile tugging at her lips. "Well, aren't you popular," she teased. "Mama's boy and now little sister's hero. What's next, Basil?"

Basil sighed, his mind still racing with questions, but for now, he decided to let it go. Ferya's warmth and Nytheria's teasing, strange as it was, brought a sense of normalcy to the moment.

Yet, deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that something extraordinary had happened—something even he didn't fully understand.