Chapter 45: The Source Of The “Pests”
Alan started to stir back to consciousness. His whole body ached, but he could feel something warm spreading throughout his chest. It was a familiar feeling to him. It was similar to when Sere was healing his leg. He slowly opened his eyes to see Sere leaning over him with her hands on his chest. She was gritting her teeth and sweat was running down her face. She was applying healing magic to Alan and was struggling while doing so.
It was the steel barrier she created earlier while being chased. She had given up efficiently for speed in the casting of that magic, and that cost her most of her aether for the day. She was now running on fumes and even the most basic of healing magic was exhausting for her. But, she persisted, for her friend.
Sere: “It’s gonna be OK, so stay with us.” she said with a quiver in her voice.
Alan: “Sere?” he said, looking up at his friend feeling confused.
Sere: “Thank the light, he’s awake.” she said as she pulled her hands back and stopped applying healing magic. “Sorry, that’s all I can do for you, but you should at least be stable now.”
Alan: “What happened? Ow.” he said as he tried to get up.
Alan could feel a sharp pain in his chest as he moved. He was still in really bad shape from the attack he took before he lost consciousness, making it difficult for him to move.
Sere: “Careful now. You have several broken ribs. Jafar, come help me sit him right.”
Jafar came into Alan's line of sight. He didn’t say anything, but he could tell that his friend was extremely terrified. Sere and Jafar grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him upright. He grunted in pain, as they put Alan's back up against a nearby bookshelf.