Chapter 25 - 24: The Will to Endure
Morning sunlight trickled in through the dusty windows of the old church, casting a golden hue over the modest room. Ethan lay on the bed, wrapped in bandages from head to toe, his breathing slow but steady. The events of the previous day still echoed in his muscles—aches and bruises singing in pain, but beneath it all, a fire burned in his chest.
Hestia entered the room quietly, carrying a warm towel and a small vial of potion. She sat beside the bed, watching him for a moment before gently nudging his shoulder.
"Ethan," she whispered. "Are you awake?"
His eyes fluttered open. "Yeah... barely."
She smiled softly. "You scared me again, dummy. But... I’m glad you’re okay."
Ethan offered a small, tired grin.
"Let me check your status, okay?" she asked, setting the items on the nightstand.
He nodded and began to sit up with a wince, slowly untying the bandages around his torso. His shirt had already been discarded to treat his wounds, and now he lay shirtless on the bed, facing down.
Hestia climbed up and straddled his back gently, her divine hands glowing faintly as she activated the falna.
Moments passed in silence.
Then—