Axton's knuckles, still white from gripping the Neural Resonance Inducer, gently grazed Ren's cheek. The chill of Ren's skin, though lessening, still sent a jolt of fear through him.
He leaned closer, his forehead almost touching Ren's—his mind desperately praying for his most precious possession.
"Captain?" Kael's voice was barely a whisper, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. He and Corvin exchanged a worried glance, noting the raw, uncharacteristic vulnerability etched on their Captain's face. The usually impenetrable Axton was showing cracks, and it was a terrifying sight.
Axton finally moved slowly, reluctantly, pulling his hands away from Ren's face. He rose to his feet, his movements stiff, almost mechanical. The Neural Resonance Inducer, now dark and inert, was clipped back to his belt with a sharp click that echoed in the silent room.
