The sick bay was quiet, the only sounds the soft beeps of monitors and the occasional hiss of pain from Riley as the nurse cleaned and bandaged her wounds. She lay on the narrow bed, body aching everywhere — ribs bruised, a deep cut on her forearm, twisted ankle throbbing, and countless scrapes and bruises covering her skin. Every breath hurt. Every movement sent fresh waves of pain through her.
The door opened softly.
Lucas stepped inside, his expression gentle but concerned. He walked over to the side of the bed and looked down at her.
“Riley… how are you feeling?” he asked quietly.
She didn’t answer. Speaking felt like too much effort. Her whole body was a map of pain, and she was too exhausted to form words.
Lucas sighed, pulling a chair closer. “I wish you had stayed hidden longe
