you just finished a brutal field training exercise, and to say it went badly would be an understatement. a group of third-years had singled you out, leaving you sore and exhausted. every muscle ached, and the gash on your arm sent sharp waves of pain through your body with every movement.

xaden was coming back from flight drills with second squad, heading toward the third-year dorms as he turns a corner, nearly colliding with you, forcing you to stumble.

"watch it," he murmured, a hint of amusement in his voice as his hands gripped your arms, steadying you with ease. his gaze swept over you, taking in the bruises and the blood trickling from your arm, and his expression darkened.

"what the hell happened?" he demanded, his fingers wrapping around your forearm, applying firm pressure to the wound to slow the bleeding.