Chapter 35: Bandaids

Kline POV

Cayden sits in front of me, bloody and swollen. If I were to give him any credit, it’s that he doesn’t flinch when I apply antiseptic to his eye. But that’s only because he’s checked out.

He’s yet to say a word since I found him. It’s just a shame I didn’t get to see the full show.

I knew who did this. Yet, the perpetrators ran away as soon as I made myself known. Basic cowards. Why even bother if not to preen in the graces of their idol?

Can’t say it was under my orders cause I’m above petty yard scraps, but I won’t lie and say it’s not satisfying. For my plans to work, I can’t put my hands on Cayden directly, so this and the poison are as close as I can get.

“I’m not sure if there’s a concealer on the plant to cover this one up,” I joke, pressing the gauze to his eye.

He just grunts in reply.

“I’m…sorry about what happened,” I choke out. Apologizing is disgusting.

This gets him to look at me, or at least, a gaze, since one eye is swollen shut.