Changes.

'System Error.

'Taking measures to prolong life.'

'...'

Lucian gasps for air, and his eyes open.

"Tss." Lucian winces as the pain of his wounds comes back.

The pain doesn't stop Lucian from reading the system's messages over and over again.

'What happened?'

A splinter of pain forms in Lucian's temple.

'Agh.'

Lucian puts his hand to his head, bearing with the pain.

Layla stares at Lucian with a mix of confusion and joy.

"You're alive." She whispers.

Her words cause Lucian to notice her for the first time.

'She looks like a husk.'

Layla's eyes are red from the many tears she's shed tonight. Her skin is pale, dirt covers her face, and her hair is a mess. Everything about her is the hollow reflection of her usual self, except for the look in her eyes.

"You're alive." She says louder now.

Lucian wheezes as he takes a breath.

"I-'m" He croaks.

'It hurts too much to speak.'