A Fragile Recovery

Chapter 37

Ling's body was still weak, his breaths slow but steady. The infection had been purged, but the battle had left him drained. Ping refused to leave his side, watching over him as if afraid he might slip away again.

The witch wiped the sweat from her brow. "He will need time to recover. His body has suffered too much, and the remnants of dark magic will linger. Make sure he rests."

Ping nodded, her fingers brushing against Ling's pale cheek. She turned to Mei, who stood anxiously by the door. "Bring warm water and fresh bandages."

Mei rushed out, and the witch gathered her belongings. "I have done what I can. The rest depends on him… and you." She glanced at Ping knowingly. "Your presence keeps his soul tethered."

Ping swallowed, her heart pounding. She had nearly lost him. She wouldn't let that happen again.

As the witch left, Ping dipped a cloth in the warm water Mei had brought and gently wiped the sweat from Ling's forehead. His face was calm, his usual hard expression softened in sleep.

Hours passed before his fingers twitched. His eyelids fluttered, and finally, his crimson eyes opened.

"Ping…" His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

Ping's eyes widened, relief flooding through her. "You're awake."

Ling tried to move, but a sharp pain shot through his body, making him groan. Ping placed a firm hand on his chest, gently pushing him back down. "Don't. You need to rest."

He smirked weakly. "Since when did you start ordering me around?"

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Since you nearly died, you reckless fool."

Ling exhaled, closing his eyes briefly before looking at her again. "How long have I been out?"

"Two days," Ping admitted. "You scared everyone."

A shadow crossed his face. "The war…"

"It can wait," Ping interrupted, her tone firm. "You're in no condition to fight."

Ling was silent for a moment, studying her. Then, to her surprise, he reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You look tired."

She scoffed. "And whose fault do you think that is?"

His lips curved into a faint smile. "You stayed with me?"

Ping hesitated, her heart racing. "…Yes."

Ling's hand lingered on her cheek. "Thank you."

A warmth spread through her chest, unfamiliar yet comforting. She had spent so much time fearing him, avoiding him, denying what she felt. But in this moment, with his fingers against her skin and his gaze locked onto hers, she couldn't ignore it anymore.

"You should sleep," she murmured.

Ling hummed in agreement, his fingers slowly slipping from her cheek as his eyes grew heavy again.

Ping sat beside him, watching his breathing even out. She didn't know what was happening between them. She wasn't sure she was ready to understand it.

But she knew one thing—

She wasn't afraid anymore.