You're Still Aiden

A few hours passed in a strange, quiet lull. The soft sounds of the infirmary, the gentle rustling of leaves outside, and the occasional murmur from other students who came in filled the room. Aiden, now feeling a little more rested, lay back on his pillow, his mind racing as he processed the events of the duel and everything that had followed.

Suddenly, a shift in the air signaled that Ivara was waking up.

Her eyes fluttered open, taking a moment to adjust to the light. Aiden watched as she sat up slowly, a soft groan escaping her lips as she stretched her arms. Her gaze quickly scanned the room before meeting Aiden's.

"Hey," she muttered, her voice rough from sleep but still with that sharp edge to it. "Looks like we both made it out alive."

Aiden nodded, relieved to see her awake and seemingly unharmed. "Yeah. That was one hell of a fight," he said, sitting up a little more comfortably.