Chapter 40 - 39: Warlord’s Dominion
"She’ll recover."
Dr. Verna’s weathered hands move with practiced precision across Leon’s mother’s bruised ribs. Dr. Verna stays in the same community as Leon and his mother and is versed in bone treatment. She was the closest doctor to take his mother to after the incident.
Leon kneels beside the narrow cot, his mother’s hand small and cold in his grip. Purple bruises bloom across her face where fists found their mark. Her breathing comes shallow but steady.
"Few broken bones, but she’s strong," Dr. Verna continues, adjusting the splint on his mother’s arm. "Stronger than most who come through my door."
His mother’s eyes flutter open. They focus on Leon with effort, pupils still dilated from pain medication.
"Don’t," she whispers. "Whatever you’re thinking. Let it go."
Leon says nothing. The rage builds in his chest like a slow fire, burning hotter with each bruise he counts.
Dr. Verna checks the bandages one final time. "She needs rest. I’ll keep her tonight for observation."
Leon squeezes his mother’s hand gently. "I’ll be back."
The walk home takes him through familiar alleys that now feel alien. Neighbors whisper behind half-closed doors. Children hide when they see him coming. Word travels fast in the Shadow Quarter.
His apartment door hangs crooked on twisted hinges. Leon steps over broken glass and splintered wood. Someone searched the place thoroughly before destroying it.