The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the runes on the eye patch Sylvia fastened around my head. Her fingers worked with a precision that surprised me—delicate, almost caring. I sat still, letting her adjust the straps as if this weren't one of the most awkward situations I'd ever been in.
"This should keep the worst of it at bay," she said softly, not meeting my gaze.
I tested it, brushing my hand over the patch. The pain that had been a constant companion was now dulled, reduced to a tolerable throb. I sighed in relief. "Thank you," I murmured.
Sylvia looked up briefly, her expression unreadable. "Does it still hurt?"
"Not as much," I admitted. "The runes… they're impressive. Whoever designed this knew what they were doing."
"The head artificer," she replied, sitting back on her heels. "He said it was a rushed job, so don't expect it to last long."
