Aleina spent the next three months mending Loen's broken ribs. Every single one was broken. Five were completely shattered. His lungs were so shredded it was a miracle he survived.
The pain would be to much for even a witcher to handle, so Aleina put him in a coma.
Slowly but surely Aleina developed feelings for the witcher. She feared that he wouldn't feel the same or even give her chance. She didn't even know if it was possible for him to feel anything for her. Only time would tell.
Every so often he would wake from his coma, screaming at the pain. She would ease him back into the comma and he would look into her eyes, thanking her.
She finished mending his wounds halfway through the fourth month. He was still in pain, but it was manageable.
"How long?" Loen finally asked.
"Four and a half months. Your ribs were shattered. If it wasn't for magic you surely would have died." Aleina reached out and ran her fingers through his hair. To her surprise he didn't pull away.
"I suppose I should thank you. As well as offer an apology. I miss judged you because you were a sorceress, I'm sorry"
"Is that it?"
"I'm not a damned bard."
Aleina smiled. "I accept your apology."
"I know what you did for me."
"Its a bit obvious."
Loen shook his head. "Not for that. For taking care of me. I could hear you sometimes. I heard you reading to me, even though there was no rational reason to. I also heard some of the things you said to me."
Aleina blushed and look down at the floor. She thought the spell was stronger than that. Loen lifted her head to meet his eyes.
"It would never work between us. Your a witcher-"
"Fuck that. With the money you owe me I can retire. I always wanted to be the first witcher to die in his bed."
"I need someone who can love me back."
Loen laughed. "No one understands witchers. That whole thing about us not being able to feel is bullshit. We can feel a few basic emotions like anger, or happiness. I've even ran into a few witchers who've fallen in love. In this moment, I don't love you, but over time I think I might."
Aleina laughed and buried her head into Loens chest. He grunted and recoiled in pain.
"I'm sorry," she pleaded.
All Loen did was smile.
