The Enchanted Warriors (Dragon Riders AU)

66💚

"Y/N, are you okay?" Tori's voice broke the silence as she gently pushed aside the white curtain, stepping into the room. Her expression was a mix of concern and hesitation, her steps careful as if not to startle Y/N.

Y/N looked up, pulled from the spiraling thoughts of her mate. Her eyes softened at the sight of Tori, but guilt quickly clouded them.

"Tori..." Y/N began, her voice tinged with regret. "I'm so sorry. Did my brother hurt you?" Her gaze fell to the faint redness on Tori's neck, and her heart sank.

"Oh, no, it's nothing," Tori said quickly, lifting her hand to touch the mark as if to shield it from Y/N's worried eyes. Her lips curved into a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Really, don't worry about it."

"Tori," Y/N pressed, leaning forward slightly. "I can see it-"

"It's okay," Tori interrupted softly, her voice faltering as she tried to explain. "He was just... worried about you."

Y/N's eyes widened, and she sat back, conflicted. "Worried about me?" she echoed.

"Oh, Miss Y/N, you're free to go back to your room," the healer said as she approached with a kind smile. "But do remember to come back for your check-ups starting tomorrow."

Y/N nodded politely, her body still feeling heavy from the lingering effects of the treatment. "Thank you," she murmured softly, her voice carrying traces of exhaustion.

The healer gave a reassuring nod before walking away, leaving Y/N and Tori alone in the quiet hallway.

"Finally," Tori sighed, offering Y/N a small, encouraging smile. "Let's get you back to your room. You need rest."

Y/N gave her a weak smile in return as they began their slow walk down the corridor, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor.

"You didn't have to stay with me," Y/N said after a moment of silence. "You've already done more than enough."

Tori shrugged, her expression warm. "And leave you here alone? Not a chance. Besides, what else are friends for?"

A soft laugh escaped Y/N, though it carried a hint of surprise. "Friends..." she repeated, the word feeling unfamiliar on her tongue. "You're too good to me."

As they reached the door to Y/N's room, Tori hesitated, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "You're my first friend, you know," she admitted, her gaze dropping to the floor for a moment. "I've never had someone I could really talk to... until you."

Y/N's breath caught in her throat, a wave of emotion washing over her. "Tori..." she said softly, her heart aching at the vulnerability in her friend's voice.

Tori gave her a small smile, lifting her head. "So, don't thank me. I should be thanking you."

Y/N nodded, her hand lingering on the door handle as she looked back at Tori, her voice steady but full of emotion. "Then I guess we'll just have to keep looking out for each other."

"Always," Tori replied.

The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the academy, casting warm golden beams across the stone corridors. Y/N cradled her left arm, now securely wrapped in clean white bandages. The throbbing pain from the deep cut had dulled slightly, but she still winced with every movement.

Beside her, Tori walked with a protective air, her gaze darting toward Y/N every few seconds.

"Are you sure you should be going to class today?" Tori asked,

Y/N offered a faint smile. "I can't skip class just because of this," she replied, gesturing to her bandaged hand. "Besides, it's not that bad."

Tori frowned. "The doctor literally said it was a deep cut. You're supposed to rest, Y/N, not push yourself."