Silent Saviour

Kai's senses returned slowly.

First, the warmth. A cradling warmth that set him at ease.

An unexpected but welcome feeling after his last moments before losing consciousness.

The biting cold of the river and the jagged rocks against his body. He could still feel it on his body.

'I'm... Alive?'

Kai heard the crackling sound of fire and smelled the damp earth and burning wood. His body ached, every inch of him bruised, cut, broken. His entire being pulsed with agonising pain. 

His eyelids fluttered open and his surroundings slowly came into focus.

The flickering light of a campfire lit up the rough stone walls of a cave. The thick scent of charred wood and damp moss was overpowered by something else. Something foul.

Kai groaned, trying to sit up. Pain shot through his ribs, arms, and legs. The only thing that felt undamaged was his head. The pain forced him back down with a sharp inhale.