Karl almost cried out in joy when he saw Kaelan stir, his eyelids moving slightly before struggling to open. For a moment Karl thought he was imagining it, but then Kaelan's lips parted, his face twisting in pain as a weak groan escaped him.
"Kai!!" Karl whispered, leaning closer, his own eyes shining with tears.
Kaelan's body looked heavy, every muscle trembling as though even breathing hurt. He tried once, twice, to open his eyes, and finally they lifted halfway. His gaze was unfocused at first, but soon it settled on Karl's face—Karl, sitting right in front of him with a smile that was shaky but filled with relief.
"You're awake," Karl said, his voice breaking as he gripped Kaelan's hand lightly, too afraid to squeeze too hard. "Thank goodness, Kai…"
Kaelan blinked slowly, his throat dry, words catching as he forced them out. "W… where are we?" he asked with difficulty, his voice so faint it was almost a whisper.
