Charles, trembling, managed to stand on unsteady legs. Each breath hurt. He dragged himself toward the bed and sat down heavily, clutching his side in pain.
Seraphina looked at him for a moment longer, her chest rising and falling in frustration. Her eyes softened just slightly, then hardened again. With a sharp sigh, she turned and left the room without a word.
Outside, Bretum stood silently, holding a first aid kit. Their eyes met briefly.
Seraphina said nothing. She simply walked past him and disappeared down the hallway.
Bretum entered the room, his calm demeanor unchanged. Charles was now lying back on the bed, clearly in pain.
"Let me treat you," Bretum said softly.
He placed the kit on the bedside table, pulled up a chair, and began to unbutton Charles' shirt carefully. Charles winced as the bruises and swelling were revealed. Bretum worked gently but efficiently, cleaning the wounds and applying bandages.
