(Kael sits upright, his body still weak. His breathing slows as he scans the room, taking in Liza's relieved expression and Alden's scrutinizing gaze.)
Kael (groggy, rubbing his forehead): "How long was I out?"
Liza (softly): "Too long."
(She releases his arm, her hands still trembling slightly. Alden crosses his arms, studying Kael with sharp eyes.)
Alden: "You tell us, kid. What the hell happened to you?"
(Kael hesitates. He remembers the feeling of falling, the flashes of war, the strange voice calling to him—but the details slip through his mind like water through his fingers. It was too abstract, too unreal.)
Kael (shaking his head, dismissing it): "...Nothing. Just some weird dreams."
(Alden narrows his eyes, unconvinced, but doesn't push further. Liza, however, watches Kael carefully, sensing something is off.)
Liza (concerned): "Are you sure?"
Kael (forcing a small smile): "Yeah. Just hallucinations, probably from exhaustion."
(But deep inside, he isn't so sure. That voice—it felt too real.)
---
Later—Kael's Recovery Begins
(A few hours pass. The healers check Kael's condition, confirming that while his body has fully recovered, he still needs rest. Liza stays by his side, though she doesn't say much.)
Kael (glancing at her, smirking slightly): "You look worse than me."
Liza (rolling her eyes, arms crossed): "Says the guy who almost died."
(Despite her sarcasm, there's warmth in her voice. Kael chuckles, leaning back against the pillows.)
Kael: "Well, I didn't. Guess I'm tougher than I look."
Liza (muttering): "Idiot."
(But Kael notices the way her grip tightens on her sleeve, the way she keeps glancing at him as if making sure he's really here. He doesn't bring it up, but a small part of him appreciates it.)
---
Meanwhile—Alden and Liza's Father
(Across the hall, Alden meets with Liza's father. The older man listens as Alden explains what happened.)
Alden: "Something's inside that kid. And it's waking up."
Liza's Father (expression unreadable): "The blade chose him. That alone proves his potential."
Alden (leaning against the wall, sighing): "Potential, sure. But potential for what?"
(Neither of them have an answer.)
---
Next: Kael prepares to leave the medical hall—but fate has other plans.