Chapter 71 - 73
Once the cream is applied, I layer fresh gauze over the wound, securing it with strips of medical tape. "This will hold for now," I say, sitting back on my heels to look at him.
His chest heaves with labored breaths, his eyes fluttering open to meet mine. "I need you to listen to me," he murmurs, his voice hoarse.
"And you need to rest." I come close to press the back of my hand to his forehead, noting the warmth lingering there. "You’re running a fever. You also need antibiotics, Simon."
"I’ll manage," he mutters, but his voice lacks conviction.
"No," I say firmly, my eyes locking onto his. "You need real treatment, and soon."
"I can’t exactly go to a regular hospital, can I? My injuries demand an inquiry—not that it would even matter with half of law enforcement in Haru’s pocket."
"So it’s decided. Hospital."
"You’re a threat," Simon declares. "Botan doesn’t want you dead but his people do—and God help you when Haru finds out. Don’t you see? Botan is fearsome because he is a man without a conscience without weakness, but this—" his fingers flutter to gesture at an amorphous thing. "Love is a liability, you have become his weakness and that can never be tolerated."
"Botan wouldn’t harm me," I profess back.
"His people would, they would defy him to honor Haru if he wished you dead. Avara, you are surrounded by enemies. Your father is tarnished and he has allied himself with the Vacherons and that tells me that Colton Vacheron is just another player in the game. So it’s time to make a choice. Will you continue to be a pawn or will you move like a queen?"
"What does that even mean?" I say in sharp frustration.
Simon’s response is calm, deliberate—a dagger in the dark. "He’s already betrayed you."