*River*
Pain lances through my arm, a sharp reminder of just how close I came to losing everything. I grit my teeth, forcing myself to focus on Dust, her face a swirl of worry and determination, but the throbbing in my shoulder draws my attention away. The blood seeps through my shirt, a crimson blossom that stains the fabric and sends a chill racing down my spine. This isn’t just a cut..: it’s something worse, but I can't let her know.
“River!” Dust’s voice trembles as she kneels beside me, her fingers trembling as they hover above my injured arm. I want to reassure her, to tell her I’m fine, but the words stick in my throat. I can’t betray the truth even if it means hiding my pain.
“Aiden,” I call out, my voice strained but firm, as I try to keep my focus on the situation at hand. He
