The first face Averis saw upon opening her eyes was that of her grandfather.
"Old man…" she groaned, her voice raspy and dry.
The lava tube had already been removed for safety. Only the hearing pad remained, regulating her temperature.
Her core had started circulating mana as usual, though the damage was far from healed. Still, she was no longer in immediate danger.
"Avy… how do you feel?" Argon asked, his voice thick with emotion.
Seeing his child fight for her life over the past few days had been agonizing. Sleep had been scarce, and he had stayed close, refusing to leave her side. Now, seeing her finally wake brought a long-awaited relief.
"It's hot… I need a bath," she whispered, eyes half-lidded.
It would be days before she could stand or walk properly. Constant monitoring was necessary, which was why the medics hadn't allowed her to get up.
