The blindingly sterile environment of the medical suite felt entirely too small to contain the dark, radiating energy Valerius possessed now that his eyes were open. Despite the massive blood loss and the catastrophic shrapnel wound heavily bandaged against his right flank, the devil refused to remain a helpless patient.
"Valerius, you need to stay in bed," I argued softly, my hands hovering over his broad shoulders as he pushed himself up against the pillows. "Dr. Aris explicitly said the internal stitching is incredibly fragile. You cannot push your limits."
"I have rested enough, Aria," he rasped, his jaw clenching as a sharp spasm of pain rocked his massive frame. He reached over with a trembling hand and ruthlessly yanked the clear IV tube directly out of his left arm. A small drop
