Chapter 21: An Unexpected Savior [5]

A stunned silence fell between them the next moment. Ardyn seemed to realize what he had just said, for even he seemed shocked that such words had come out of his mouth.

For what seemed like an eternity, they just stared at each other, forgetting the physical pain and their current situation for a moment.

"Sorry," Ardyn fumbled, a guilty look coming over his face. "I… I didn't mean—"

Luke finally found his voice once again. "…No, I'm the one who should be sorry," he said softly, reaching out with a trembling hand to press it against the side of Ardyn's head. Almost instantly, his fingers glowed with healing magic, and the mark on his forehead also shone a vibrant blue.

Even though he only had a little magic left, if he could ease his Guardian's pain just a tiny bit, it would be enough.

He watched the way Ardyn's eyes went wide. The latter's mouth parted, as though he were about to say something.