Eclipsed

Chapter 51

As Ren rested against the cave wall, his breathing shallow but steady, Aiko stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, disoriented at first as she took in the dim light of the cave. Panic flashed in her expression, but it quickly faded as her gaze landed on Ren.

He was slumped against the wall, unconscious, his shirt discarded to treat his wounds. His chest and arms were wrapped in makeshift bandages, though faint traces of blood still seeped through. Despite the pain he must have been in, his face was calm, his exhaustion evident.

Aiko looked down at herself, noticing the warm cloak wrapped around her. She clutched it tightly, suddenly aware of how cold the air was outside. The rain continued to pour just beyond the cave's entrance, the wind howling in the distance.

She stood up carefully, her legs still weak, and adjusted the cloak to shield herself from the chill. Her gaze lingered on Ren, her heart heavy with a mix of gratitude and guilt.

Ren stirred awake, groaning softly as his wounds throbbed. He barely registered the cold air in the cave before hearing a soft voice.

"Ren..."

His eyes fluttered open, and he saw Aiko sitting nearby, wrapped in a cloak. She looked at him with concern etched on her face. He struggled to sit up, grimacing as the pain shot through him.

"How long was I out?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"I just woke up too," Aiko replied gently.

Ren glanced toward the mouth of the cave, where rain poured relentlessly. "Well, we can't move until the rain stops," he said, sighing. "When it clears, we'll have to move quickly."

Aiko didn't respond immediately, simply nodding. Then, after a pause, she looked down and said, "Ren... I'm sorry."

Ren blinked, confused. "What for?"

"For the way I treated you... the things I said." Aiko's voice was quiet but heavy with guilt. "You didn't deserve any of it."

Ren smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Aiko, it's fine. I figured you were just trying to push me away... to keep me out of danger."

She looked up at him, her eyes wide. "How did you know?"

"I've seen it before," Ren said simply. "You didn't want me to get hurt trying to save you."

Aiko hesitated before nodding. "That's true, but it doesn't excuse it. You've done so much for me, and I—"

"Hey," Ren interrupted gently. "It's fine. I've had it way worse, trust me." He looked at her closely, his tone softening. "How are you feeling now? Is your fever down? What about your injuries?"

"I'm... fine," Aiko said hesitantly. "Just tired."

"Good," Ren said, leaning back against the wall of the cave. "Get some rest. We need to move as soon as the rain stops."

Aiko frowned. "Why do we need to hurry?"

Ren sighed deeply, his expression growing grim. "Because I'm being hunted. By pretty much every kingdom."

Aiko's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

Ren hesitated, then said, "Someone close to me... betrayed me. They told the authorities I'm the son of Yoruzen. Now they're all after me."

"Everyone knows?" Aiko whispered.

"Unfortunately," Ren said bitterly. "That means we can't stay in one place too long. It's too dangerous."

Aiko lowered her gaze, her worry evident. Ren glanced at her and hesitated before speaking.

"Listen, Aiko," he began carefully. "I don't want you caught up in this. Once we're out of here, I'll find you somewhere safe to stay. Or take you to someone you trust."