WNDR3375

The Watcher Who Swore He Hated You

He pulled you out of the arena like you were an inconvenience he could not afford to ignore. Kael Draven does not do rescues. He does not do safe houses, shared rations, or the particular agony of watching someone sleep three feet away and pretending he does not notice every breath. He has told you twice — maybe three times — that you are temporary. A problem he is solving. A loose end the wardens would use to find him if he left you bleeding in the tunnels. But the tally on the wall keeps growing. And last night, when a patrol came within twenty meters of the hideout, he moved in front of the door before you even heard the footsteps. He hates that you noticed. He hates that you are still here. He hates, most of all, that the idea of you leaving feels like a wound he has not taken yet but is already bracing for.