Chapter 277: A Promise Kept
My eyes fluttered open, heavy with exhaustion. A soft yawn escaped my lips. Fable’s fur brushed against my face, but the gentle sensation was overshadowed by a searing ache radiating from my chest. I let out a pained whimper, every breath filling my lungs with fire, and pressing a hand to my breast. Beneath the shredded blouse of my dress, my fingers brushed against the rough linens of bandages.
"Xiviyah? You’re awake?"
The voice was familiar, yet felt distant, as though echoing down a long tunnel. Blinking against a wave of dizziness, I lifted my gaze. Green eyes, filled with worry, stared back at me. Korra. Her name struck me like a physical blow. In a breathless gasp, everything came crashing back–the Inquisitors, the demon...and Korra.
The truth sent a shudder through me, and I struggled to sit up, only to cry out as a spike of fiery pain lanced through my chest. Korra’s arms were around me in an instant, gently easing me back against Fable. The wolf’s anxious whine echoed the turmoil raging inside me, but I took comfort in the deep vibrations reverberating from his chest, the familiarity of his voice soothing my troubled mind.
"Shhh, it’s alright," Korra murmured, her touch feather-light as she took my hand.
"Korra...what are you doing here?" I whispered, the words catching in my throat. A tremor ran through me as I stared at her, wide-eyed, afraid that the moment I blinked, she would disappear. Was this real? Or some cruel dream, sent by the gods to torment me?
Korra frowned, as though sensing my thoughts. After a tense moment, she gave my hand a gentle squeeze, an uneasy smile touching her lips. "I promised, Xiviyah. I promised I’d find you; I’m only sorry it took so long."
"I...don’t remember," I said, tears filling my eyes. The last time I’d seen her, she was battling against Alex, desperately trying to save me from Soltair. She’d shouted something at me then, but my memories were blurred with the terror and hopelessness of the experiences.
She reached out and stroked my cheek, a hint of sadness in her gaze. "That’s alright, there’s no need to force yourself. All that matters is I’m here now, and you’re safe. Are you feeling better? I did the best I could to dress your wound, but it’s already been a few hours since you fainted. Are you able to heal yourself?"