Page 58 of Draven

"You'll let me help you?" Lucinda asked patiently.

"Yeah, I was married to one of you before," Doyle muttered, closing his eyes.

I looked to Draven in surprise. Draven shrugged, clearly surprised by that information as well.

"Let me take care of you while she heals Doyle," I told Draven.

Draven watched Lucinda place her glowing palms over Doyle's chest for a moment before turning to me and nodding.

I ushered Doyle into my bedroom, feeling a wave of relief that I wouldn't have to explain two injured dragons to Tom.

With Tom finally settled into his own place, I could focus on helping Doyle without any interruptions.

Grabbing a first aid kit, I turned to Draven and asked him to sit down and remove his shirt.

He hesitated. “Doyle's injuries are worse. I’ll be alright,” Draven said.

I gave him a knowing but patient look. My dragon could be unexpectedly stubborn at times, but I knew he’d eventually cave into my demands. He always did.

Draven sighed and reluctantly complied. I gasped when I saw the cuts on Draven's body. It looked like someone had slashed him with a knife multiple times.

My heart clenched at the sight, and I couldn't help but reach out, my fingers trembling as they hovered over one of the wounds.

But before I could touch it, Draven intercepted my hand, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through me.

"They'll heal," Draven said.

But his words did little to reassure me. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over, as the fear and worry I had bottled up since he left surged to the surface.

"Why are you crying?" Draven whispered, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that had escaped my eye.

His concern only made the tears flow faster, and I struggled to find the right words to say to him.

"Do you have any idea what you put me through?" I finally managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was terrified, Draven. Terrified that I'd lost you forever."

Draven's expression softened, and he pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me close as if he could shield me from all the pain and uncertainty.

"I'm sorry," Draven murmured, stroking my hair. "I promise, I'll always come back to you. You mean everything to me."

"You mean everything to me too," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, as I nestled closer to him, seeking comfort in his embrace.

Draven winced, and I immediately pulled back, remembering he was still injured.

"Will you sit still and let me tend to you?" I asked, already reaching for the first aid kit.

Draven nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he settled back against the pillows.

I carefully cleaned and bandaged the cuts on his body, my touch gentle. Draven watched me intently, surprise flickering in his eyes as I worked.

"You know basic first aid?" he asked, sounding genuinely amazed.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Lucinda and I took an extra course two years ago," I explained, a hint of amusement in my voice. "Look, it finally came in handy."

Draven grinned, his gaze softening as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from my face.

"You never cease to amaze me, Tobias," he said, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "Thank you for taking care of me."

Someone cleared their throat, and I turned to see Lucinda standing there.