The next day…
Minato woke up with a long yawn, stretching his arms over his head. The dull ache he expected from the fight with the manticore… wasn't there. No burning in his legs, no throbbing from the bite on his neck. Just the little memory of pain.
But something else made his heart sink.
Amelia...curled up in the chair beside him, her head resting against the edge of the mattress, fast asleep. Her hair was messy, her breathing soft, and her fingers were still lightly gripping the side of his blanket… as if she'd been holding onto him all night.
Minato froze.
"…Amelia…" he whispered.
Carefully...more carefully than he'd handled any weapon...he slid out from the bed and stood beside her. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly slipped his arms under her. She stirred slightly, letting out a small sigh, but didn't wake.
He lifted her gently, carrying her like something fragile.
