[Lavinia's Pov—Commoner's Valley—continuation]
The streets of the commoner valley were far from silent, yet in that moment, the bustle seemed distant to me. My hand was still gripping Osric's much larger one, his warm blood slick against my fingers.
"Lavi… it's nothing," he murmured, trying to pull away, but I tightened my hold.
"Nothing? You're bleeding!" My voice came out sharper than intended, laced with worry I couldn't hide. "What if it's deep? What if it gets infected? What if—"
A soft chuckle escaped him. "You're panicking more than the wound deserves."
I glared at him, my heart thudding painfully. "Don't laugh. This isn't funny. You're my person, my shield. If something happens to you—" I stopped myself before the words spilled further.
Damien approached, eyes scanning the alley. "Your Highness, we need to move. The goods are secured, and the prisoners will be taken to the dungeons." His gaze flicked to Osric's hand, brow furrowing. "What happened?"
