11

-Mature Content Warning!!-

~Kiva

Peeking around the doorway into the infirmary, I see Ark laying in the furthest bed.

A smile touches my lips. He’s alive. I knew he would be. And he’s laying in bed, a rare sight for such a strong, healthy man.

As I approach, I wince, noting the intensity of his wounds.

"You look terrible,” I observe, my attention grazing over him, over the white bandages wound around his limbs.

He laughs breathily. "Thanks, Kiva."

The wounds on his face are the most offensive to look at. A large, deep indigo bruise spreads over his right eye and cheek, accompanied by some minor scratches.

They didn’t hold back with him. Like they didn’t hold back with Andri.

"How are you feeling?” I ask uncomfortably. I don’t know how he responds to kindness, since I’m so brash with him all the time.

"Better than I deserve. I can't believe they bested me,” he mutters, frowning deeply.

"There were eight of them, all armed apparently. Nobody could have fought them off,” I assure him. We