Page 28 of Monsters In Her Head

The battle must have been over because others rushed to his side. Nabaliv checked the spot where the dagger still lived in his flesh. Desmond grunted and pushed his hands away.

“We need to pull it out and bind it. Then we can take care of it back at the infirmary.” Nabaliv pulled something out of the small bag at his waist. “Here. Chew on this. It will help with the pain.”

Desmond huffed a laugh. “Pain? What pain? I’m perfectly fine.” He pushed himself to his feet, and the world tipped sideways and then everything went black.

When Desmond woke, there was a lot of commotion happening around him. Laying on his front, Desmond found himself lying on one of the infirmary cots with the taste of copper in his mouth.

“Bring me clean water,” Nabaliv ordered others around while he did something to Desmond’s back.

Desmond couldn’t feel what the drake was doing to him. There was pressure but nothing definitive. He should be able to feel it.

“Did you drug me?” Desmond asked his words coming out slow and slurred.

“You bet your tail I did,” Nabaliv commented, shifting to the side so that Desmond could see him. “And if you get stubborn, I’ll drug you again.”

Desmond wanted to argue but his head felt heavy and his eyes drifted back closed.

When he opened them again, it was quiet. Desmond still laid on one of the infirmary cots, his chest down. He tried to shift to roll over but the movement pulled at something in his back, making him hiss.

“Don’t do that.”

Desmond searched for the owner of the voice he’d come to look forward to every day.

Georgia sat on a chair beside his cot, a long piece of cloth spread over her legs. It looked as if she’d been repairing it.

Desmond moved to try to sign her.

Rest.Her voice pushed into his thoughts.Do not strain yourself on my account. You’ve done enough saving for today.

The others... are they?

Georgia smiled and smoothed a cool cloth over his forehead.They're fine. Just some scraps and bruises. You’re the only idiot who came back on death's bed.She poked his forehead with a frown.

Desmond watched her face, searching for what he didn’t know.I worried you.

Looking at him through her lashes, Georgia went back to wiping his head with a cloth.Can you blame me? You went out to fight for my cause and came back injured. Of course, I was worried.

Because if I was dead then Ryu would be less likely to help you.Desmond prodded trying to see if he could get her to admit how she really felt.

Georgia pursed her lips together.No. Because if you died I’d have one less drake to fight against Callahan and I need as many of you as I can get.

Desmond would be annoyed at her words if not for the small smile playing on her lips. He wouldn’t push her anymore. Not right now at least. Desmond wanted her to pamper him more. If he pushed her too far, he knew she’d leave.

They sat there without speaking for a long moment. Georgia gave him water slowly from a cup which was awkward laying on his front. He ended up spilling most of it down his chin.

Did you find out who those soldiers belonged to?Desmond asked at last.

Georgia worked at cleaning up the mess and grimaced.They were Callahan’s and my father's soldiers. Which believe me the very thought of it has my stomach in knots.

Desmond pushed up on his forearms ignoring the pain.What does it mean?

Georgia lifted her eyes to meet his. It means something has happened at home. Something bad.

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