Eliàn;
Swollen shut.
My left eye.
I should have known. It's been hours, and I still can't see out of it.
There are blue and purple patches all over my face, neck, and disappearing into my vest.
I look like I went through a proper thrashing. No, I look like I survived a rogue science experiment.
Anger floods my veins as I stare at my reflection… at my red, bulging, shut eye, and at the evidence of how insignificant I am in this place.
"The marks should clear out by tomorrow," Alana says from the corner of the room where she's stood watching me for the past three minutes.
I turn to her and force a smile.
"I know," I reply, and she mirrors my smile before taking a step forward.
"You don't have to be strong in front of me, Master Eliàn. You're upset. It's okay. Your feelings are something nothing should ever take away from you," she says, and my smile falters.
