R.O.N.A.

Chapter 29

*Aris*

Rexan’s face looked so peaceful. Normally it would be nice to see him so relaxed, but I knew that he was only like this because of being unconscious. He had lost a lot of blood and I feared maybe too much. I sat at his bedside, clutching onto his hand, hoping and praying that he would live.

The several days before the attack, I had begun to let my grudge behind and see him for who he was. He was kind and caring. I had never known anyone like him in my life. Guys had always treated me as a tool for their pleasure, but Rexan made me feel special, like a priceless heirloom.

Unable to restrain my worry for him, I carefully caressed his cheek and then I ran my fingers through his hair. “You have to recover… you have to,” I whispered in his ear. I backed away and looked at his face once more.

Suddenly the doors swung open to reveal two members carrying another member into the medical bay. I turned to look and realized the man was injured.

“What happened?” I asked the two men carrying him.

“Talon planted a bomb in the headquarters and some got injured from the falling debris. Nothing serious though,” one of them reported.

“Thank goodness,” I said and sighed. I didn’t think I could take any more bad news. I directed them to a bed where I helped the man get comfortable. For the next nonachron, more and more were brought in, but mostly with cuts and minor injuries. Overall there were only about 40 that had been wounded.

I quickly got all of them settled and then Malina and Blythe finally came to my aide.

“Hey Aris,” Blythe said, “How’s Rexan doing?”

“Still unconscious,” I answered.

“I’m sure he’ll come to,” Blythe said reassuringly.

“Yeah…” I said.

“We can take care of the others,” Malina said motioning to herself and Blythe.

I shook my head, “I need to distract myself. Besides, these people need help.” Malina just nodded.

The three of us moved about swiftly, administering pain medication and stitching up cuts here and there. The ones who got stitches were allowed to leave, which only left two members, including Rexan. The one man had broken an arm, but would be fine with a cast and some rest.

Once we had finished with everyone, I slumped down into the chair next to Rexan’s bed.

“Aris, you should get some rest,” Malina said softly.

“I’ll be fine. I can sleep here,” I answered. There was no way I felt like leaving Rexan now.

Malina looked worried but finally said, “Okay…”

Blythe apologized but said she needed to meet everyone else in the cafeteria, as did Malina. I said I would stay behind with the two men and then I shooed Blythe and Malina away.

The room became silent again. The only noise was of both of the men breathing; the other man had fallen asleep. I had just gotten comfortable, actually nearly half-asleep, when Sephora showed up.

“Hey, aren’t you supposed to be in the cafeteria?” I said sleepily.

“Tyzon said it was alright if I came down here. He just wanted to tell everyone to get some rest and then he’ll give a more formal announcement tomorrow,” Sephora said.

“Okay,” I answered with a yawn.

“How’s Rexan?” Sephora asked, “I was worried about both of you…”