A young man, probably not even twenty yet, standing nearby. With a clean-cut, tall, easily over six feet, with an effortless presence that made him hard to ignore. His features were sharp but not harsh, and his eyes... Honey-gold.
They caught what little light remained, glinting warmly, giving him a strangely gentle, almost radiant look that softened everything about him.
"You are…?" Ashley asked, her voice coming out hoarse and rough, each word scraping painfully against her dry throat.
The young man moved immediately.
He stepped to the bedside table, poured a glass of water, then returned to her side. Seeing how weak she was, he slipped an arm behind her back and carefully helped her sit up, slow and steady, making sure not to pull at her injuries. He held the glass to her lips, guiding her as she took small, careful sips.
Only when she had enough did he lay her back against the pillow.
"How are you feeling?" he asked gently.
