Chapter 54: what the light can’t show.

Damian woke five days after his battle with Cardinal.

From his bed, he stared up at the ceiling, scattered memories falling into place like jigsaw pieces. Watery-gray light bled into the room from a crack in the thick curtains. By his estimate, it was probably afternoon; a heavy stillness hung in the room, as though the world itself had stopped breathing.

Damian's body ached all over. He raised one arm and saw a pattern of white scars decorating his skin. The worst of the damage had been healed—probably with the Aspect of Vigor—but the wounds hadn't been erased entirely.

Such is the cost of being severed from the Flame.

A slight snuffling noise caught his attention, and Damian turned his head to see two figures slumped together on the room's sofa. Lynn sat, sleeping fitfully, while Tia was collapsed against the knight's shoulder, blonde hair spilling into the other woman's lap.

When did those two get so close? Damian wondered.