The dawn's blue light began to peek through the curtains, but Olivia's room was still lit by a flickering candle that was almost burnt out.
The atmosphere was deathly quiet, with only the sound of Javien's heavy breathing and the soft tear of cloth as Olivia pulled it away.
Javien sat on the edge of the bed with his back to Olivia. His broad shoulders looked tense, and the veins in his arms bulged every time he tried to endure the pain.
"Javien... don't move yet," Olivia whispered. Her voice was raspy from staying awake all night.
Olivia took a piece of the softest white silk from her personal collection one she had been saving for another day and began layering it over Javien's wounds, which still looked red and sensitive.
The moment Olivia's cold fingers touched Javien's hot skin, the man flinched slightly.
"Sorry... I'm trying to be gentle," Olivia whimpered, her tears nearly falling again, though she quickly wiped them with her shoulder.
