Chapter Forty-One

Not Another Hand

Koin

it was Azier that woke him, gnawing viciously at the back of Koins mind. Koin opened his eyes, and there she was. All bandaged up. what was visible of her face, mostly the right side, was bruised badly. A lot of her was bruised actually, her arms, what he could see of her legs before the bed obstructed his view. Her mouth was hanging open as she staired at him, he was going to sit up, to speak, but he was afraid she would run, or that it might be a dream. Then again in his dreams she was well, perfect. She blinked several times before she spoke, her voice surprisingly hoarse "Koin. I.." She looked apologetic, but the rest of her words didn't come out. Azier wouldn't wait anymore. He pushed to the forefront and then forced Koins body up from the bed. He picked Thalia up, not pausing for her gasp of pain and pulled her tight to his chest, so her face was close to his. She wrapped her legs around his waist though she stiffened as if that hurt as well, and then sat