Against The Eternity Chapter 26: [25] Chapter - 11: Silent Devotion (Part - 2/2)

Read chapter 26 of Against The Eternity by Phoenixfly_steller on NovelPedia.

[25] Chapter - 11: Silent Devotion (Part - 2/2) As she went deeper, the surroundings began to change. The rough, uneven stone beneath her feet slowly gave way to a stretch of soft emerald grass, almost unreal in how smooth it felt. The dim, jagged walls softened into something far more tranquil, lined with rare herbs that shimmered faintly like scattered starlight. The air shifted too—cooler, calmer, carrying a faint sweetness that made each breath easier than the last. She slowed when she reached a quiet clearing. Before her lay a still pond, its surface glowing gently beneath the light of the surrounding herbs. From the far wall, a thin stream of silver water flowed down like a ribbon, merging soundlessly into the crystal-clear pond. For a moment—everything was still. She carefully helped him sit upright, making sure he wouldn’t collapse again. But as she moved behind him, her breath caught. His clothes were in tatters, clinging to him with layers of dried blood. Beneath them, the damage was far worse than she had imagined. Deep gashes cut across his back, some still bleeding. Scratches and wounds covered his shoulders, arms, and even his ribs—silent proof of everything he had endured for her sake. Her chest tightened. For a brief moment, her hands didn’t move. Then she forced herself forward. Emotion wouldn’t heal him. Only Care would. She poured fresh water over his back, watching as it carried away the dried blood in thin crimson streams. His muscles twitched faintly under her touch, but he didn’t wake. Carefully, steadily, she cleaned each wound. Every brush of cloth left a faint trail across his skin—and an unspoken warmth lingered at her fingertips, distracting in ways she refused to acknowledge. When she reached his side, she hesitated for only a moment before pulling away the remaining cloth. More injuries revealed themselves. A faint heat rose to her face. She paused—then shook her head. “Professional,” she muttered. “Focus.” Though even her voice carried the slightest hint of betrayal. Her movements grew precise again—controlled, practiced. She cleaned each wound, applied medicinal paste, and wrapped his injuries carefully. Yet every accidental brush against his skin stirred a faint, distracting awareness she kept pushing aside. When she finished, she brought three recovery pills to his lips. “Come on… swallow,” she murmured softly. Supporting his jaw, she guided them in and waited until he swallowed. Then she moved behind him, sitting cross-legged, her palms resting against his back. Warmth spread instantly at the contact—steady, alive. She closed her eyes and let her ki flow into him. She wasn’t powerful enough to heal everything at once, and she didn’t need to be. She was patient, careful, and steady. For hours, she guided his chaotic energy, calming its violent surges, repairing what she could, easing the internal damage bit by bit. It was exhausting work—but she didn’t stop because it was him. Only when his ki finally stabilised on its own did she withdraw her hands and the moment she did— Her strength gave out. The world tilted as she collapsed forward, but before she fell, a hand caught her. Eklavya’s grip, though weakened, was firm—his body reacting before he was fully awake. His eyes opened slowly, still hazy, yet sharp enough to take in her condition. “You’re exhausted,” he said, his voice rough. Hearing it, she let out a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding. “N-Not really…” He checked her pulse, one brow lifting slightly. She cleared her throat. “…Fine. Maybe a little.” “Obviously,” he muttered, gently lowering her down before offering her a recovery pill. She accepted it quietly. For a brief moment, their eyes met. Something unspoken passed between them. Her heartbeat skipped—just enough for her to notice. She looked away first, focusing on regulating her breathing as the medicine took effect. Meanwhile, he forced himself to stand and made his way toward the glowing lake. The water shimmered with