The light from the hallway nearly blinded him. Using his right arm to shield his eyes, Lucian groaned, staggering back as his back hit the wall while trying to maintain his posture. The only reason he was still active even after the surgery was the effect of the ketamine.
But under the harsh lighting of the hallway, even the anesthesia was unable to save him from the piercing headache he was feeling.
Still, he needed to make it to–
"Lucian?"
Suddenly, a pair of slender, cool hands held him. But for a man of Lucian's size, she couldn't keep him upright and they both collapsed to the floor together.
However, Lucian was still flinching like a vampire and the slender fingers immediately reached out and cupped his eyes, shielding him.
"Why did you even come out in your condition? You're a fool, Lucian. A stubborn, concussed fool."
Under the sanctuary of her hands, Lucian's breathing began to slow. "You're late. Ten minutes... were up. I told you... I'd come find you."
…
