Vael's POV
The afternoon light came softly through the hospital window, painting the room in a gentle golden color. Lirien looked much better today. His cheeks had a little more color, and his beautiful violet eyes were clearer than they had been in weeks. He was sitting up slightly with pillows behind his back, looking small but peaceful in the big hospital bed.
It had been two days since he first woke up. The doctors said he was recovering well, but he still got tired very easily. Today, though, he seemed a bit stronger. He had even eaten a little soup for lunch without feeling sick. Davis and I sat on either side of the bed, each holding one of his hands. The room felt warm and safe with just the three of us.
Lirien looked at both of us for a long time. His fingers moved gently in our hands. Finally, he took a slow breath and spoke.
"I think I'm ready to tell you everything," he said quietly. "About what happened when they took me."
