The blast hit too close. The air filled with dust and shouting, and when it cleared- you were gone.

Ren's pulse roared in his ears. He didn't even think, didn't care about tactics or pride; he tore through the battlefield until his voice went raw, until he found you half-conscious beneath the rubble. "Idiot," he whispered, kneeling beside you, shaking. "Do you know what you just-" He couldn't even finish.

When you stirred, his eyes softened- then, just as quickly, hardened again. "Don't scare me like that again." His hand lingered over yours, gripping it firmly before he realized what he was doing. He didn't let go, not until you breathed steadily again.