Scars, Secrets, and Urgent Needs

I watched the smooth rise and fall of Kaelen's chest while Lysander continued checking his vitals. My emotions were a jumbled mess – relief that he was alive, anger that he'd hidden our bond, and something else I couldn't quite name.

"He's stable," Lysander confirmed, breaking my trance. "The healing you initiated is remarkable, considering your limited training."

I shrugged, wincing as the movement pulled at my injured back.

"Your turn," Jaxon said, his voice strained from his hospital bed. His eyes locked onto mine – resolute despite the pain evident in them.

"I'm fine—" I started to argue.

"Bullshit," he cut me off. "You're swaying where you stand, Haz."

Before I could protest further, Lyra was at my side, guiding me to sit on the edge of an empty bed. "Let me see your back."

With reluctant compliance, I turned and lifted the torn fabric of my shirt. The sharp intake of breath from Lyra told me everything.

"Oh, Hazel," she whispered.