Rick slept soundly and without dreams for most of the first day. His body was healing from the serious injuries he had sustained in the fight.
He woke up every now and then to the soft whispers of his bonded partners, who were keeping watch by his side, but he quickly fell back asleep again because he still needed the rest to heal.
...
Rick woke up again as the sun began to set on the first day, and the medical tent's canvas walls let in a warm glow.
He opened his tired eyes and saw Vyra sitting next to his bed with her long black hair falling over her shoulders. Rick had never seen that look on her face before.
It was soft, almost tender. And very different from how she usually acted, which was strong and bossy.
"Hey there, sleepyhead," Vyra said softly as she reached out to brush a stray hair from Rick's forehead.
"How are you doing lately?"
Rick was pleased to see her but surprised.
