บท 68: Becoming a Monster

Julian slowly opened his eyes.

The spilled sunlight drowned the room with a luxurious golden shimmer. The first thing Julian noticed was the soft sound of a pen scratching on paper, and his body aching all over. When he turned to his left, he was surprised to see his brother, Heinrich, sitting on the side of the bed on a chair.

The young man was writing something in a notebook, looking very serious, and for some reason, made Julian think of their father.

It was then that Heinrich's eyes rose and met his.

"You're awake, Brother," he said in a warm, deep voice… for some reason. He looked like he was in such a relief that Julian woke up.

Why?

His brother's hand reached to his forehead, and Julian almost wanted to brush it off in embarrassment, but he couldn't move his aching body. So he couldn't help but freeze when he felt the warm touch of his brother's palm on his forehead.

"No fever," Heinrich muttered under his breath and heaved a sigh of relief.