Chapter 40: Bonds in the Infirmary
Soft beams of morning light filtered through the tall windows of the academy's infirmary, casting gentle patterns on the stone floor. The room was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of pages as Elyreina sat beside Lyrian's bed, a tome open in her lap. Her eyes, however, were not on the text but on Lyrian's face, watching for any sign of awakening.
The door creaked open, and Reynard's head popped in, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Is Sleeping Beauty still out cold?"
Elyreina rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Keep your voice down. He needs rest."
Dorian followed Reynard into the room, carrying a small basket. "Brought some of those pastries he likes. Figured the smell might wake him up." He set the basket on the bedside table, the aroma of freshly baked goods filling the air.
Selene entered last, her expression as unreadable as ever. She took a seat in the corner, her gaze flickering between Lyrian and the others, observing silently.
Reynard leaned over Lyrian, feigning deep concern. "You know, if he doesn't wake up soon, I might have to take his share of the pastries. Can't let good food go to waste."
Dorian chuckled, nudging Reynard. "Careful, or he might wake up just to defend his breakfast."
Elyreina shook her head, but the warmth in her eyes betrayed her amusement. "You two are impossible."
A soft groan drew their attention back to the bed. Lyrian's eyelids fluttered before slowly opening, his gaze unfocused at first. He blinked a few times, then looked around, confusion evident in his eyes.
"Welcome back to the land of the living," Reynard quipped, relief underlying his teasing tone.
Lyrian's voice was hoarse as he spoke. "How long was I out?"
"Three days," Elyreina replied gently, her hand reaching out to squeeze his. "You had us worried."
Lyrian attempted a weak smile. "Didn't mean to cause trouble."
Dorian waved a hand dismissively. "Trouble? Nah. But you do owe us an explanation. Like, how you managed to sleep through Reynard's snoring."
Reynard shot Dorian a mock-offended look. "I do not snore!"
Selene's soft snort drew everyone's attention. "You do," she said simply, her lips twitching in the semblance of a smile.
Lyrian chuckled, the sound weak but genuine. "Missed you guys."
Elyreina's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but her smile remained steady. "We missed you too."
The group fell into comfortable banter, the room filling with laughter and light-hearted teasing. For a moment, the weight of recent events lifted, replaced by the simple joy of friendship and camaraderie.
As the morning sun climbed higher, casting a warm glow over the infirmary, the bonds between them felt stronger than ever, forged in the fires of battle and tempered by unwavering support.
In that moment, surrounded by his friends, Lyrian knew he was exactly where he belonged.