Unease

Varnel's hand moved toward her face.

"Now look at what you made me do."

The moment his hand got close, Khana recoiled in panic.

"N-no! No, please—" she sobbed, crawling back weakly.

"…Khana."

This time, his voice was cold again.

As she heard it, she froze instantly, her mouth snapping shut as a wave of fear surged through her body.

Varnel reached out and gently pulled her arms apart. Then he wrapped her into a hug.

"You did this to yourself," he whispered as he brushed a hand through her blood-soaked hair. "This is your fault."

Khana didn't respond. She just kept sobbing in his arms.

"I-it hurts…" she choked out. "It h-hurts, Varnel…"

Varnel's hand continued stroking her hair.

"It's alright," he whispered softly. "The pain is only temporary. You'll feel good as new by tomorrow."

But Khana still continued to cry.