With a steadying breath, Lyra - though weakened, summoned her power, hands glowing with a soft, green light. She channeled her energy into Jack, the healing warmth seeping into his wounds, knitting together torn flesh. Though the healing was incomplete, it was enough to staunch the bleeding and stabilize him.
Jack's eyes fluttered open, their usual sharpness dulled by pain but still holding a spark of gratitude as he looked up at Lyra.
"Why?" Lyra's voice trembled with emotion. "Why did you save me? You're injured so badly, and it was me you were trying to protect."
Jack managed a weak smile, his voice rasping out between labored breaths. "I could ne'er let a lass as fair as ye come to harm," he said, his tone laced with a hint of humor despite the pain. "There be too many old hags in this world and not near enough beautiful women like ye."
