Isabel moved away from Kaelan and resumed working on her potion, a faint smirk played on his handsome face. The pain from his injuries was intense, but the thought of being near Isabel again filled him with a strange sense of satisfaction.
He hadn't intended to get hurt this badly, let alone lose consciousness, but in his excitement at the prospect of seeing her again, he had let his guard down. The monster's attack had taken him by surprise, and now he was paying the price.
Kaelan's mind wandered back to the moments leading up to the ambush. He had been so focused on thinking about Isabel, her captivating eyes, and her gentle touch as she healed him the last time they met, that he hadn't noticed the lurking danger until it was too late. The creature had come out of nowhere, its claws slashing through the air. In the chaos, he had fought back fiercely, but the damage had been done.
Lying there on the cot, he watched Isabel from the corner of his eye. Her concentration on her potion-making was admirable, her movements precise and confident. She was skilled and dedicated, qualities he deeply respected. But it was more than just respect that he felt for her. There was a growing affection, a connection he couldn't quite explain.
Kaelan shifted slightly, wincing as pain shot through his body. Despite the discomfort, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Being in her presence, even under these circumstances, was worth the risk he had taken. He admired her resilience, her determination to help others, and her unwavering spirit.
As Isabel worked, the tent filled with the soothing scents of herbs and potions. She glanced over at Kaelan occasionally, checking to see if he needed anything. Each time their eyes met, she felt a mix of frustration and curiosity. Why had he put himself in such a dangerous situation? And why did he seem almost pleased to be here, despite his injuries?
Kaelan's smirk faded slightly as he pondered these questions himself. He knew he had been reckless, and he would have to face the consequences of his actions. But for now, he was content to let Isabel care for him, to bask in the warmth of her presence, and to hope that perhaps, this time, they could grow closer.
As the hours passed, Isabel's initial frustration began to grow. When she finally finished her potion and turned her attention back to Kaelan, she found him watching her with a look of quiet amusement. Despite his injuries, there was a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"You should be resting," she said, her tone a mix of concern and reprimand.
Kaelan chuckled softly, wincing at the movement. "I can't help it. You're too fascinating to ignore."
Isabel rolled her eyes, with a hint of a sarcasm on her lips she said, "You really are something, Kaelan Drakemont."
Isabel's frustration bubbled over as she set down her tools with a clatter. "You know what, Kaelan?" she said, crossing her arms. "If you're well enough to flirt and make jokes, then maybe you're well enough to leave."
Kaelan's smirk faltered, replaced by a look of genuine surprise. "Isabel, I—"
"No," she interrupted, her eyes flashing. "I have other patients who need my attention. If you're so eager to be up and about, then go. Get some fresh air. Maybe then you'll realize the seriousness of your injuries and the danger you put yourself in."
Kaelan opened his mouth to protest but closed it again when he saw the determination in her eyes. With a sigh, he pushed himself up from the cot, grimacing as the pain shot through his body. He swayed slightly, and Isabel instinctively reached out to steady him, but then pulled back, her expression stern.
"I'll be fine," he said, his voice subdued. "I just thought—"
"You didn't think," Isabel cut in sharply. "That's the problem. You're reckless, Kaelan. You think you're invincible, but you're not. And I can't keep patching you up if you don't start taking your own safety seriously."
Kaelan's shoulders slumped, and for a moment, he looked every bit the wounded warrior he was. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I didn't mean to cause you more trouble."
Isabel softened slightly at his words, but her frustration was still evident. "Just… go and rest somewhere else. Please. I need to focus."
Kaelan nodded, turning slowly and making his way towards the tent flap. As he reached it, he paused and glanced back at her. "Thank you, Isabel. For everything."
Isabel didn't respond, her eyes already back on her work. Kaelan stepped out into the cool evening air, the sounds of the camp bustling around him. He found a quiet spot under a tree and lowered himself to the ground, wincing with each movement. As he leaned back against the trunk, he closed his eyes and let out a long breath.
He knew Isabel was right. He had been careless, driven by his emotions rather than logic. As much as he wanted to be near her, he needed to be smarter about it. He had to prove to her that he wasn't just a reckless adventurer, that he could be someone she could rely on.
The thought of her frustration stung, but it also fueled his determination. He would recover, he would become stronger, and he would show her that he was worthy of her trust and perhaps, someday, her affection.
Kaelan heard footsteps approaching. He looked up to see his friends, led by Alaric, coming towards him. They were grinning, clearly eager to hear about his day.
"Well, well," Alaric called out, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "How does it feel to have spent the whole day with the lovely Isabel? Did you sweep her off her feet with your charm?"
Kaelan forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. His friends laughed, but Alaric noticed the dark cloud in Kaelan's expression. He hesitated, sensing that something was off.
"What happened?" Alaric asked, his tone more serious now. "You look like you've just been chewed up and spit out."
Kaelan's face hardened, and his eyes narrowed. "What happened?" he echoed, his voice rising. "I'll tell you what happened, Alaric. I got chewed out by Isabel because of your stupid idea."