Eiden washed his face slowly, the cold water dripping down his cheeks in steady rivulets. Each drop that hit the sink below made a soft plop, filling the silent bathroom with a rhythm that somehow made his mind calmer yet heavier. As he stared at the mirror, his own tired reflection stared back at him. His eyes had dark circles, and a clenched jaw betrayed the storm brewing inside. Above his head hovered his translucent Status window, glowing softly in the dim light.
The image of Ruel grabbing Lyra flashed in his mind again. That look of helplessness in her eyes. That overpowering strength. Eiden's fists clenched involuntarily as his stomach churned with a strange mix of anger and disgust. He gritted his teeth hard, but managed to hold himself together. With a deep sigh, he wiped his wet face with a towel and walked back into his room. Dropping onto the bed, he let his body sink into the mattress.
