A little softer

Leia slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the soft morning light that filtered into her room. Her body felt heavy, her arm aching faintly where the needle had been inserted. She realized she was in the mansion, in her room.

As she turned her head, she noticed Kieran seated right beside her. His head leaned back against the headboard, his fingers loosely gripping his phone. He looked exhausted, but calm.

Leia tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her. "Fuck," she muttered under her breath. "I feel even weaker after donating blood."

Kieran's voice reached her ears. "Leia." He was instantly alert, tucking his phone aside as he slid an arm behind her back to help her sit. "Easy," he said, supporting her carefully. "How are you feeling?"

"Not great," she admitted, resting her head briefly on his shoulder. "I feel like I've been drained… literally." Her eyes met his. "Is Ronan okay?"

Kieran gave a small nod. "Yes, he's stable. But he hasn't woken up yet."

Leia exhaled in relief, though her worry remained.

Last night, Kieran had wanted to remain at the medical facility, unwilling to leave Ronan's side. But Lucien had pulled him aside, reminding him that Leia had also been vulnerable and needed rest and care.

Reluctantly, Kieran had returned to the mansion with her. He had stayed awake most of the night, waiting for a call or a message from Lucien, hoping Ronan would regain consciousness. But no call came.

"But how did he get hurt so badly?" Leia asked, still processing it. "He's one of the strongest warriors we have."

Kieran shook his head. "I don't know. But once he wakes up, we'll get answers." He looked at her more closely and added, "I'll ask the maids to bring breakfast up here. You can freshen up and take a warm bath while it's being prepared."

Leia nodded faintly. "Hmm." Her eyes lingered on him, taking in the tension in his shoulders, the weariness he tried to hide. Without another word, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him in a sudden, tender hug.

"Ronan will be awake soon," she whispered against his shoulder.

Kieran's hand moved up to her back, holding her as if grounding himself in her presence. Leia expected him to let go quickly, but he didn't. Somewhere along the way, they had grown into this comfort that neither of them could name.

After a moment, Kieran gently pulled away. His voice was calm but caring. "Do you need help getting to the washroom? I can ask a maid if you're feeling too weak to manage on your own."

Leia gave him a small, appreciative smile. "I can handle it."

She pushed back the blanket and slowly rose to her feet, steadying herself before making her way to the bathroom. Kieran lingered a few seconds longer, then turned and stepped out, closing the door softly behind him.

~~~~

At the hospital, Lucien sat rigidly by Ronan's bedside, his eyes never leaving his younger brother. He hadn't shut his eyes once through the long hours of the night. After their parents' death, Lucien had made a silent vow, to never let anything happen to his brothers again.

Even when Ronan insisted on taking part in smaller missions, Lucien always made sure elite warriors accompanied him from the shadows. He had never truly let Ronan go into battle alone.

A familiar scent drifted into the room, and Lucien glanced toward the door. Leia entered, bouquet in hand, with Kieran following close behind. The delicate card tucked into the flowers read 'Get Well Soon' in her graceful handwriting.

Lucien stood from his chair, his eyes briefly scanning Leia with concern. "I told her to rest," Kieran said, reading Lucien's thoughts, "but she insisted on seeing Ronan."

Leia gently placed the bouquet on the bedside table, her gaze softening as it settled on Ronan's still face. "Did the doctor say when he might wake up?" she asked.

"Nothing yet," Lucien replied.

She reached out and rested her hand over Ronan's, caressing it gently. After a few seconds, she withdrew and turned to Lucien. "You should go home and get some rest. You look like you haven't slept at all."

"I'm fine," Lucien replied curtly.

"She's right," Kieran added. "Go home. We'll stay with him."

Before Lucien could argue again, Ronan's fingers twitched, his eyes shifting slightly beneath his lids. Then, slowly, his eyes opened. "Where… am I?" he murmured hoarsely.

All three immediately closed in around the bed. Leia reached for the nurse call button while Kieran leaned in.

"You're in the hospital," Lucien said, emotion flaring just beneath his words. "You were badly injured. Where the hell did you disappear to? Why do you always do this?"

Before Ronan could speak, a doctor entered briskly. "Please step outside," he instructed.

Leia was the first to obey, followed by the two brothers. As the doors shut behind them, Leia turned to Lucien. "You can't interrogate him right after he wakes up. Let him breathe."

"She's right," Kieran agreed. "Ronan just regained consciousness. Give him time."

Lucien crossed his arms. "I wasn't pressuring him. I just want to know the truth."

"It won't kill you to be a little softer," Leia said pointedly. "He'll talk when he's ready."

Just then, the door to the ward room opened. A nurse peeked out. "The doctor wants immediate family only."

Lucien and Kieran nodded and went inside. Leia remained behind, lowering herself into the chair in the corridor. A sudden, dull ache throbbed through her limbs, fatigue weighing her down.

'I need some energy drinks,' she thought, rubbing her temple as her body reminded her of its limits.

Meanwhile, inside the wardroom, the doctor had a detailed conversation with Lucien and Kieran regarding Ronan's condition. He prescribed some tonics, which were made mainly for wolves.

"No heavy work is allowed until the full recovery is made. If the body is not given the full rest, it may affect his body in the long run," the doctor explained further.

"We get it, doctor," Lucien said, giving a brief glance to Ronan.

The doctor excused himself, leaving the room along with the nurse.