Darius flinched the moment a cotton doused in strong brandy touched the wound on his upper arm. His expression remained impassive, but the muscles in his jaw visibly tightened. The hand he's resting on his lap curled into fists, while the other gripped tightly at the edge of his seat.
"It burns, right?" Auri said as he dabbed the cotton on the wound. "Bear with it for a while."
"I still don't understand how fruit spirits can clean my wounds better than holy water," Darius muttered through gritted teeth. "I should have just taken it by mouth if it's that effective."
"That's not how it works."
"Oh, enlighten me."
Auri rolled his eyes at Darius' sarcastic tone. "I would show it to you if I could."
"Show me what?" Darius asked.
"The little creatures partying in your wounds right now."
"Huh?"
"I'm giving them booze, so let's wait for them to get drunk."
Darius looked ready to grab his neck. "You're messing with me."
