What Kind Of Punishment?

POV: Echo

Even though I had just spent the last four days unconscious, I was completely overcome with pure exhaustion after having woken up and met Noira. She seemed to notice and politely excused herself from the room, leaving Atlas and I alone.

He watched me closely, as though I’d disappear if he blinked too long. Looking him over, I realized he was still wearing the same black shirt and jeans he’d put on before we left the Red Stone pack. The outfit is crumpled and wrinkled, and his dishevelled hair and stubbly chin complete the look. I can tell he has been sleeping in the chair beside my bed, waiting for me to wake up.

I place a shaky hand on his cheek, and he leans into it, the tension leaving his body. “I’m here, Atlas, and I’m not going anywhere!” I whisper, leaning forward to kiss his forehead before releasing him.

Chuckling, he smiles at me, eyes sparkling in amusement. “You’re the one in the hospital bed, and yet you’re comforting me!” I can feel my cheeks turn pink a bit