Sighted

Chapter 16: Never Again

Owen

"Dammit, Gin! This is the last time I'll send Bowden to you!"

"Be more careful with him, Mom! Lower him gently, you're hurting him!"

"Dad, how much longer on the antidote? You told me you've made this before!"

      Even I knew I was snapping at everyone unnecessarily when they brought Bowden home to the apartment, but I couldn't help myself. After the first initial pain that knocked me on my ass, literally, there was a constant throbbing in my shoulder. Only the pain continuing let me know that Bowden was still alive.

      Dylan helped me right the chair and sit back up at the desk. I desperately went back to tracking everyone, trying to see if I could get into the parking garage's cameras. I gritted my teeth through the pain, knowing Bowden's would be ten times worse. However, my share of the pain made my movements difficult and I ended up snapping at Dylan to press a certain part on the keys now and then.

      By the time I'd gotten in though, there was just vehicles and a huddled group of people. As I watched, I could make out my demon's large form, hanging between the much shorter figures of Mom and Gin. I only watched long enough to see them load Bowden into my parents Jeep.

      Dylan helped me to the couch, saying that he'll get everything ready and for me to rest. It started to feel like I had a fever, my body becoming hot and weak. The halfling made me stay seated and I told him what to prepare. He dragged out one of the spare mattresses to the living room floor, where we would have the most room to work around Bowden's large frame.

      I wasn't sure what was wrong but I suspected it was more than just a stab wound. We have a large supply of remedies for magical wounds, built up over many years within my family. I had Dylan pull them out and prepare clean towels.

      After that, it felt like endless waiting before I could feel them arrive downstairs. Dylan went out to greet them at the elevator, and soon the large group of people staggered in through the door. Most of Bowden's weight was supported by Mom and Gin, but Dylan and Dad were carrying in his feet. Alex was following along, holding pressure to the wound.

      Once Bowden was laid down, I was beside him, re-energized enough to shout orders to the others. Soon, Dad was set up in the kitchen, preparing the antidote to the curse placed on the blade that had been used and Alex was finishing trying to clean the wound. Bowden was in and out of consciousness, not able to speak but when awake, would thrash around or cry out in pain. The curse was slow in the demon's system and if it wasn't treated in time could kill Bowden.

      Now, Bowden is laying still with his eyes closed and breathing labored. I'm sitting by his side, holding a clean compress to the wound. The bleeding won't stop until the antidote is received and currently Bowden's healing capabilities are just working to keep him alive.

      While Alex seemed shocked at the amount of thick, tar like blood seeping from the small wound, he still took care to clean the small wound. He sits on the other side of Bowden, wiping the sweat away from the demon's feverish skin. Mom keeps hovering around me, wiping my own hot, sweaty skin and trying to get me to lay down, unsuccessfully.

      A shell-shocked woman who I assumed to be Alex's mother is currently seated on the sofa. She'd filed in last to the apartment, looking like she'd rather be anywhere but here. Dylan is sitting next to her, holding one of her hands between his. Sometimes patting them comfortingly or saying something too low to hear. I'm surprised and a little proud at such caring behavior from the young halfling. I hope he doesn't mention what he is or all that comfort will be wasted.