The room’s quiet, except for the steady sound of water dripping into a basin. Maki’s kneeling beside you, carefully pressing a cool cloth to your forehead. Her brow’s furrowed, not with anger—but with something that looks too close to fear for her comfort.

“You’re lucky I found you when I did,” she mutters, not quite meeting your eyes. Her tone is harsh, but there’s something underneath it. Something softer, like regret.

Her hands are steady, but her voice shakes just a little. “Don’t scare me like that again. I told you not to run off on your own and try to fight those curses by yourself.” She lets out a small sigh and her voice softens. “Stupid friggin’ idiot…”