The arms that engulfed her felt very familiar, and so was his scent. She didn't have to turn around or hear him speak to know who it was.
"Erik, you're here. Oh my gosh, you're bleeding," she whispered.
Erik hugged her tightly. He closed his eyes, trying not to remember the scene he witnessed a few minutes ago. That scene when that lunatic raised his hand and tried to slash Aryana's face.
He trembled from both fear and anger. He did not feel the pain in his hand until Aryana spoke and told him that he was bleeding.
Aryana turned to look at Erik. Her eyes were filled with worry.
"Take off your coat," she said as she helped him take it off. As she unbuttoned the button on the wrist of his sleeve, she gently rolled it up to reveal a distressing sight. A wince escaped her lips as she caught sight of the cut on his hand, about eight centimeters from his wrist.
