Owen's eyes opened to a partially crimson-scaled face and golden eyes inches from his own.
"HE LIVES!" Vorthraxx bellowed. "I started thinking I would have to kiss you to get you to wake up, brother!"
Owen jerked backward and immediately regretted it as Pain lanced through his entire body. His ribs screamed. His muscles felt like they'd been shredded and poorly reassembled.
"Don't move." Vorthraxx's hand pressed against his shoulder, gentle but firm. "You're still healing. The Sovereignty burned through your life force. Your body needs time to rebuild what it consumed."
Owen's jaw clenched against the pain. "How long was I out?"
"One week."
The number hit harder than any of Vorthraxx's punches. A week. Yuki. The others.
Owen reached for the bond immediately. The telepathic link opened like a door he had forgotten existed.
"Yuki?"
Her response came through clear and immediate. Relief flooded the connection from her side before words formed.
"Owen! Where are you?"
