The room was filled with the smell of herbs and smoke.
On the bed, Gale lay, his chest covered in bandages. His face, usually full of strength, seemed strangely calm, almost peaceful. The healer, an old man with precise gestures, closed a bottle before sighing softly.
"He's out of trouble," he said in a reassuring voice. The potion will do the rest, but you have to let time take effect.
He had barely finished his sentence when the door suddenly opened.
Isabella and Diana rushed in, visibly distraught.
—What happened?! cried Isabella, out of breath.
Axel and Marlie, who were standing near the bed, exchanged a look before thanking the healer with a nod.
"Gale intercepted the knife intended for Ray," Axel explained in a deep voice.
- What ?! Diana said, her eyes wide. What do you mean, intercepted?
Marlie walked forward, nervous, arms crossed.
—It's a bit complicated... After the misunderstanding between Ray and Gale... When Ray surprised him and Isabella in a somewhat... compromising situation. He thought something was going on between them and he lost his temper. He accused Klaus of being the cause of all this. He went to confront him, and… things got out of hand.
Isabella frowned.
— Degenerate how?
— Klaus wanted to hit Ray, but Gale intervened. The blade... deflected, Marlie whispered, looking down.
> Isabella remained frozen for a few seconds before raising her hands, exasperated:
— By heavens... Klaus and Ray are idiots! Because of them, Gale is in this state!
Diana approached the bed slowly, her heart sinking. She brushed her fingertips against Gale's hand, which was still warm.
—How is he? she asked in a trembling voice.
"He's out of danger," Marlie replied softly. He just needs time.
Diana nodded, her eyes shining, without taking her gaze from Gale.
In the silence, we could only hear the regular breathing of the wounded man and the light tapping of the vials in the shadows.