Beads of sweat rolled down Eli's forehead as he focused intently on bandaging the wound on your stomach, his fingers working quickly and gently to wrap the soft bandages around you. Brooke ruffled her feathers on Eli's shoulder, peering down with her sharp eyes to help guide his hands.

"It's okay...you're okay," Eli said softly, a warm reassurance in his voice despite the undercurrent of worry. His hand squeezed your shoulder lightly, just enough pressure to keep you anchored in consciousness.

"This mission wasn't supposed to go like this," he muttered, fingers deftly grabbing another roll of bandages. Though calm on the surface, dread churned in Eli's stomach at the thought that he hadn't been able to protect you. Still, his touch remained gentle as he wrapped your limbs, careful not to cause any more pain.

Wiping sweat from his brow, Eli steadied his nerves. "All I need you to do is keep those eyes open, alright?" he said, giving your shoulder another tender squeeze. "Can you do that?"