The First MoonKnight

CHAPTER 3: The Concern MARWA'S P.O.V.

My blood-saturated robes lay crumpled upon the cold stone floor as I was sitting on the wooden seat that was meant for the patients. Despite my efforts, my vision struggled to focus on anything as the lingering haze of dizziness returned to me once more. I looked at the shimmers that the dim light of the oil lamp that was sitting next to me made on the golden details of the ceremonial clothing and jewelry.

With gritted teeth, I stifled any involuntary sounds that threatened to escape my throat, sinking my teeth into the makeshift bit of wood that was given to me. Akil was kneeling on my left taking care of my wound.

The moment I felt the sharp point of the needle pierce my skin as he started to sew my cut back together a deep groan left me before I could muster the strength to suppress it. My hands gripped the edge of the seat trying to endure the pain that I felt as I was being helped. I took deep breaths from my nose and let them out as slowly as I could in an attempt to calm down only to come out as gasps.

"Almost there." Akil's voice was heard from my side as he pierced my skin for one last time.

After he was done he took a slightly wet cloth and wiped the blood off my skin. I let out a sigh through my nose as I took out of my mouth the piece of wood feeling my jaw a bit sore from biting it so hard.

"I will ask you one more time, my dear. What happened?" Akil asked me again while he resumed his stance.

"A thief was threatening a mother and her child near the temple. I tried to help them and I got stabbed in the process. But I am fine now." I explained to him as I stood up hissing slightly when I did that. My head was still feeling light so I wad having a hard time balancing myself. so I almost lost my balance

"I fear you may be underestimating the severity of your injuries, Marwa." He helped me steady myself. "You should rest until the wound heals fully." He suggested.

"We both know that will not happen, especially when the full moon is approaching," I said softly as I leaned my weight off of him and onto the wall to maintain my balance.

"Marwa," he exhaled heavily, the weight of concern evident in his voice. "you know I admire your selflessness, your willingness to prioritize others, but we must address the matter of your own well-being. You have already lost too much blood and you have to rest."

"I can't simply neglect my duties and the sacred rituals," I argued, a flicker of contempt growing inside me. "Ensuring the favor of the gods is essential for our protection and the harmony between the mortal and the divine realms. We're trusted with maintaining that balance, and we cannot afford to make mistakes."

"We will not neglect anything. I will take over and take care of everything that needs to be done." He said.

"Akil, do you even hear yourself?" I questioned, my disbelief palpable as I fixed on the elder man in front of me with an unbelieving gaze. "You were the one saying that you will step back from your duties as a priest because your age and health will not allow you to continue. That's precisely why you've taken on the role of physician."

"I am indeed listening to myself, but are you?" He shot back, his tone tinged with a blend of frustration and genuine concern. "Because refusing to rest when you have a stab wound on your side says otherwise." Stepping closer, Akil placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, his expression a portrait of genuine concern. "I cannot stand by and let you hurt yourself further. You already acted stupid enough by jumping into a fight that is not yours knowing very well that you most likely will end up hurt."

"I know you want to protect me and make sure I am safe... but I can't let you tire or hurt yourself for me and I can't just not react when people need help." My voice was significantly lower at that moment. "I have duties to take care of and now two more people to make sure are safe. I know what I am doing, Akil."