Piercing

Kaelan's gaze, fixed on me as I sat slumped on the floor, made me uncomfortable.

But I didn't even have the strength to demand an explanation.

I was alive.

That alone was enough.

“Aria, can you stand?”

I shook my head.

Not only was there no strength in my body, but with this leg, all I could do was crawl.

Kaelan's arm slipped beneath my back and legs.

He lifted me, but I was far too exhausted to resist.

My body went limp in his arms...