Thristle floated in darkness for what felt like forever—her body heavy, every muscle screaming from the lightning that had coursed through her like liquid fire. The world was a distant hum, the roar of the colosseum nothing more than a muffled echo. Then, slowly, warmth returned. A familiar warmth. Something soft and insistent pressed against her lips, and a sweet, potent liquid trickled into her mouth—rich, golden, carrying the unmistakable taste of Aiden's highest-grade S-Rank healing potion.
Her strength trickled back in gentle waves. First her fingers twitched, then her eyelids fluttered. The familiar sensation of Aiden's mouth on hers—gentle yet commanding, feeding her the potion mouth-to-mouth—pulled her fully into consciousness.
She opened her eyes.
