One week after Naria's collapse...
"How much longer will you wait for her to wake up?"
"As long as it takes..."
"Please, at least get some proper sleep..."
"I don't care about sleep! I can't sleep if she's not beside me!"
Raiver clung to Naria's frozen hand, her body offering no response—no words, no movement.
He sat by her side day and night, hoping desperately for her to awaken from her endless slumber.
A queen entered the chambers, taking in the pitiful scene. "Darling, rest now. I'll keep watch over her."
"I just told Rayden the same thing, mother... I don't care about sleep. I no longer care about anything if she's not beside me..." His chest felt heavy, burdened by the sharp, wrenching pain caused by Naria's unconsciousness.
"The dragons are asleep too..." The queen spoke softly, her hand resting on Raiver's shoulders. She gave them a gentle squeeze, then lowered her gaze to Naria.
