For the next three days, I could barely move.

Gosto stayed with me whenever he could, though most of his time was claimed by the war preparations. Still, I was never left alone. Not even for a second. Diamante was by my side most often, but Leandro also came frequently, offering help or just quiet company. Their protectiveness was relentless at times, they treated me as though I’d shattered every bone in my body and couldn't so much as lift a spoon. I cursed at them often, but I preferred ...