Her Heart's Contenders

Kabul, Afghanistan;

Diablos's Villa, 04:00;

Xi Yuan gently placed her onto the bed, his movements slow and careful, as though she were the most fragile piece of glass. The soft sheets cradled her, but they could never match the warmth she needed at the moment. He drew the blanket over her, tucking it snugly up to her chest. Her pallor was unsettling, her skin icy to the touch, and her fragile frame seemed to sink deeper into the mattress.

Every glance at her etched into his heart, yet the idea of averting his gaze felt unbearable. Settling on the edge of the bed, he ran his fingers gently through her hair, his touch as soft as a whispered prayer. His thumb lingered on her temple, his touch a quiet plea, willing her to feel safe, to fight, and to return to him.