Chapter 83: Awakening
Nero stirred.
His body ached, as if he had been crushed under an immense weight and left to lie there for an eternity.
His limbs were sluggish, his mind foggy, but as his senses slowly returned, he became aware of the gentle warmth of sunlight filtering through a window.
A rhythmic sound reached his ears, soft sniffles, a choked whimper.
"Y-Young Master...!"
He turned his head weakly. There, standing beside his bed, was Witty, his house-elf.
The small creature had tears streaming down his face, his large ears drooping as he wrung his hands together in distress.
"Witty was so worried! Witty couldn't help you, Young Master!" Witty sobbed, his voice trembling with guilt. "It was the first time Witty couldn't enter a room in the house! It was like there was a barrier... Witty tried and tried, but Witty couldn't reach you! Witty is sorry, so sorry!"
Nero exhaled softly, shifting slightly.
His body protested, sharp pain stabbing through his ribs.
Even so, he managed to lift a hand and rest it on Witty's small head.