"Florian! Oh, Dark Lord! You're awake!" Riona charged into the hut like a whirlwind, making everyone scramble out of her path.
Florian sat on the edge of the bed, looking mildly confused but otherwise intact.
Riona plopped down beside him, her hands flying over his face as if she were expecting to find a hidden injury or two. Once she was convinced he was in one piece, she enveloped him in a tight, relieved hug.
"Thank the Dark Lord! How are you? Are you hurt?"
Riona's questions exploded rapidly, leaving no room for Florian to answer. She had a ton of curiosity to unpack.
She was used to being the only one with a voice in their conversations. Riona had never heard Florian speak before.
So when Florian's voice—clear and surprisingly melodic—broke the silence, it was as if the ground had shifted beneath her.
"I'm fine," Florian said. His voice was clear and smooth, resonating with a tone she had never imagined.
