The Man

Chapter Thirteen: The Man I Almost Lost

Selene’s POV

The door creaked open, and my heart dropped.

Blood.

It was the first thing I saw.

Ronan stumbled inside, his steps heavy, uneven. His shirt was torn, soaked in red. Cuts traced his arms, and his eyes—those storm-gray eyes—were barely open. His body swayed like he would fall at any moment.

“Ronan!” I screamed, rushing forward.

Lucien was behind him, breathing hard, his own clothes a mess, but he looked less wounded. He held Ronan by the waist, struggling to keep him up.

“He wouldn’t stop until he got you back,” Lucien muttered, his voice hoarse.

I didn’t hear anything else.

I dropped to my knees as Ronan collapsed into my arms.

His body was hot—too hot—and trembling. His pulse was faint. My hands pressed against his chest, trying to stop the bleeding from one deep wound near his ribs.

“You’re safe,” he whispered, his voice barely there. “That’s all I need.”

“Don’t you dare talk like that,” I cried. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Lucien stepped back, giving us space. He wiped his forehead and leaned on the wall, eyes watching us both with something between exhaustion and amusement.

“I’ll get water,” he said. “And the healing herbs.”

I nodded, already pulling Ronan closer to the bed. His weight was solid but limp, and every movement made him groan in pain.

“You’re a fool,” I whispered, tears spilling down my cheeks. “You’re the bravest, most stubborn fool I’ve ever loved.”

He opened his eyes, barely, and gave me a weak smile.

“And you’re worth every scar.”

I laid him on the bed, ripped open what was left of his shirt, and began cleaning the wounds. My hands were shaking, but I forced myself to stay steady. Every bruise, every cut felt like it had been carved into me too.

“Why would you do this?” I whispered.

His voice was faint.

“Because… you’re mine.”

A sob broke from my chest.

“I almost lost you,” I whispered.

“But you didn’t,” he said. “I’m here. Still breathing. Still yours.”

When Lucien returned, he handed me the bandages and warm water, then raised an eyebrow.

“You two are ridiculous,” he said with a smirk. “Bleeding half to death just for love.”

I ignored him and kept working.

Ronan didn’t flinch once. He just stared at me, like I was the only thing keeping him tethered to this world.

After a long while, his wounds were cleaned and wrapped. He looked better, but still so pale. I brushed his silver hair from his forehead, then kissed it softly.

“You scared me,” I whispered.

“I know,” he said. “I was scared too… not of dying. But of not seeing you again.”

I curled up beside him on the bed, wrapping my arms gently around his waist. He winced, then sighed into the embrace.

“I love you,” I said, barely audible.

He didn’t reply right away. He reached for my hand and held it to his chest.

“I’ve loved you,” he said slowly, “from the moment I saw you fight back even when your heart was shattered.”

I pressed my face to his shoulder. My tears wet the fabric, but I didn’t move.

Lucien made a gagging sound from the corner.

“You two are the softest warriors I’ve ever met.”

We both laughed through the pain.

“Go get some sleep, Lucien,” I said without looking up.

He muttered something about needing a vacation and walked out.

And then, the room was quiet.

Just Ronan and me.

His breathing was slow, but stronger now. His hand never let go of mine.

I stayed awake all night watching over him.

Because I had almost lost him.

And I would never take a single second for granted again.