After settling Kaya back to sleep, Veer stayed beside her, watching her shallow breaths until half the night had passed. His hand never left her, as though letting go would invite disaster. But eventually, for the first time, he forced himself to leave her alone in the room, even in her fragile state.
He staggered down the hall, dripping, his hair still wet. Then—
BAM! BAM! BAM!
The old healer jolted awake, heart leaping at the furious knocks. Rushing to the door, he swung it open—and froze.
Veer stood there, half-drenched, a towel knotted loosely around his waist, water still running down his chest. His eyes were lowered, unreadable, but there was a storm beneath them.
"Sir… what happened?" the healer stammered, stunned by his state.
But Veer didn't answer. He shoved the man back inside, slammed the door shut, and stalked to the table. He dropped heavily onto the chair, elbows on his knees, staring at the ground. His silence was louder than any words.
