"Does it sting?" Olivia asked gently, pressing a cotton swab soaked in medicine against Allen's wound.
He shook his head slowly. "Not much. It's been two days… it's all numb now."
Two days. That's how long it had been since chaos erupted at the academy.
Acolytes and beasts had poured in, attacking like shadows in the night, all searching for something no one could name.
Thankfully, no one died, but they came close. Too close.
If it hadn't been for Professor Adrian, the Headmistress might not have made it. She and Senior Elana suffered the worst of the injuries. A few other professors were hurt too. But nothing compared to the wounds those two carried.
And Allen? He hadn't actually fought to the best of his abilities. He remained hidden.
"Blaming yourself again?" Olivia asked softly, her green hair falling over one shoulder as she looked at him. She saw it in his eyes.
The guilt. The shame.
