Chapter 27 - 26: His Light
The sun was high in the sky, but inside the small abandoned church I now called home, the light was dim—gentle, filtered through dust and colored glass. I sat in the old wooden chair beside Ethan’s bed, watching him sleep.
He looked peaceful now.
So different from the way he had looked lying unconscious in the Guild infirmary just two days ago—bloodied, broken, but still gripping his sword even in his sleep. He was still clutching it when I found him. Still ready to fight, even after his body had given up.
I remember how my heart dropped when I saw him. I rushed to his side, shouting his name, but he didn’t answer. The healers told me he would be okay, that he was strong, but I still cried. I couldn’t stop myself.
He’s my first. My first familia member. My first adventurer. And... maybe, maybe something more I don’t quite understand yet.
I leaned forward a little, brushing a lock of messy black hair from his forehead. His face twitched, and I smiled.
"You’re always pushing yourself too hard," I whispered. "You act like you’re fine, but I can see it... the weight you carry."
He was reckless. Too reckless. Diving deeper into the Dungeon even when I warned him, ignoring his wounds, always brushing it off with that same infuriating smile.
And yet...