Chapter 14. The Unexpected Kindness

Lucien sat on the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on the side of his arm. The skin was red, swollen, and blistered slightly near the elbow. It looked angry and raw, like it had been scraped and set on fire at the same time. Every small movement sent a sharp sting shooting through his entire arm, making his breath hitch.

He gently touched around the area, flinching. The skin felt hot, sensitive, and tight. Even the air brushing over it seemed to burn. He hadn’t dared ask for anything to treat it. He was too scared. Too unsure if asking for help would only make things worse.

The room was quiet, except for his shallow breathing. He hadn’t even changed into proper clothes. His shirt sleeve had been ripped off halfway when he poured cold water on his burn earlier. The damp cloth he used now lay forgotten on the floor.

Suddenly—

Creak.

The door slowly creaked open.

Lucien jerked up in fear, heart thumping. He stood quickly, eyes wide, and his sore arm press