You were lying on the ground, barely conscious, your breathing shallow and labored. Giyuu was beside you, his face a mask of anguish as he cradled your head in his lap. His hands were stained with dirt and blood, but he gently brushed the hair away from your face, his eyes filled with unshed tears.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I should have been faster. I should have been there…”

The demon that had attacked you had been fierce, and despite Giyuu’s efforts, the damage was severe. You could barely hear his words through the haze of pain, but you managed a faint, pained smile.