A few hours passed before Soren, sensing Ethea's consciousness returning, stopped his cultivation and opened his eyes. The hospital room was pitch black, saved only by the weak moonlight cutting through the window.
He sat up, keeping his movements silent, and looked over at her bed.
"..."
He watched as Ethea's eyelids trembled slightly before parting. Her mesmerizing ice-blue eyes came into view, staring at the ceiling for a few seconds before she stilled and quickly turned toward him.
Their gazes met.
Soren smiled gently, keeping his posture relaxed. "You are awake."
"...Mm." Ethea's lips curved upward into a faint smile. "You too."
Soren nodded before standing up from his bed. He stepped onto the floor, carefully monitoring his own pacing so he didn't appear overly eager or tense. "Are you feeling better now?"
"...Yes," she whispered, the single syllable carrying a bit more clarity than before.
