YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 66 : Hospital Visit ft. Bite Marks

Calliax strode purposefully through the corridors of the hospital, his uniform crisp and his demeanor commanding. He was on a mission, not just to visit a comrade, but to ensure the well-being of one of his most trusted subordinates, Sergeant Rowan.

"Rowan, how's your wound?" His voice, firm yet tinged with genuine concern, cut through the air as he entered the ward.

Rowan, ever the disciplined soldier, snapped to attention before addressing his superior. "Colonel. I've been better, sir. The doctor says I may be discharged tomorrow," he reported, his voice tinged with a hint of relief.

Nodding in acknowledgment of Rowan's progress, Calliax's gaze narrowed as he noticed something amiss. There, on Rowan's ear and neck, were unmistakable bite marks, surrounded by swelling. Concerned, Calliax broached the subject.

"Rowan? Where did those marks come from? I thought your injuries were internal," he inquired, his tone measured yet probing.

Caught off guard, Rowan's demeanor shifted slightly, embarrassment coloring his features as he instinctively attempted to conceal the evidence. "Ah, well, you see, sir... Emily visited last night. She was... displeased, and things... escalated," he explained, his words trailing off as he struggled to articulate the situation delicately.

Understanding dawned on Calliax's face, tempered with a hint of amusement. He couldn't fault Rowan; after all, marital dynamics were a realm unto themselves.

"I see, Sergeant. I'll leave you to recover. Rest up," Calliax remarked, his tone conveying both understanding and a subtle dismissal.

With a crisp salute, Rowan bid his superior farewell as Calliax exited the ward, his mind already turning to the myriad duties that awaited him beyond the hospital walls.

As Calliax exited the wardroom, his mind drifted to the dynamics of Rowan and his wife, Emily's relationship. It was a glimpse into a realm of intimacy that sometimes felt distant in the structured world of the military. Despite the challenges of their respective duties, Rowan managed to navigate the delicate balance between his obligations as a soldier and his commitments as a husband.

"Married, huh? How intriguing," he mused, his words barely audible as he contemplated the notion. The thought sparked a flicker of amusement within him, wondering if such a union would ever be a necessity for himself. And if it were to be so, who would be the woman to stand by his side? It was a question that lingered in the recesses of his mind, awaiting an answer that only time could reveal.

After days spent immersed in the intensity of his duties, Calliax made a decisive choice to retreat from the confines of his office and return to his apartment. As he crossed the threshold into his luxurious abode, a familiar sense of relief washed over him, accompanied by the comforting phrase, "Home sweet home."

"It's been too long, old friend," he murmured to the empty space, acknowledging the neglect his residence had endured in his absence. With practiced efficiency, he methodically opened every window, inviting the crisp outside air to rejuvenate the stagnant atmosphere within, from the living room to the sanctuary of his bedroom.