Finn moved before he could think—too fast, too reckless. Pain lanced through him, a visceral reminder of everything his body had endured. His breath hitched, but he forced himself to his knees, biting back a groan as he braced his still-healing hand against the ground for balance.
Grit scraped his skin as he lowered himself beside Cedric, not gracefully, but with sheer stubborn determination.
His hand found Cedric’s forehead, brushing damp strands of hair from his flushed skin. “Cedric?”
“Finn.” The word was little more than breath. Then Cedric’s eyes squeezed shut, tears sliding from the corners.
Finn’s heart ached. Pain? Exhaustion? Or…everything?
“You saved me.” Finn’s fingers traced over Cedric’s wrist, over the pulse still beating there, searching for wounds, for any sign that the magic had left damage deeper than what he could see. Finn had fought back against the dragon, though he’d done what he could to minimize the blows. Had he hurt Cedric?
The prince shook his head, his voice cracked. “No. I almost killed you.”
“Shh.” Finn pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him. Holding him together. Holding them both together. “But you didn’t. You fought it. You broke free. That’s what matters.”
Cedric buried his face against Finn’s chest, his body shaking with silent sobs. Finn held him tight, a safe harbor. Whispering quiet reassurances, fingers combing through damp hair, until the trembling finally eased.
And then Finn moved—just a little shift, just a slight adjustment—and pain shot through his ribs like a red-hot dagger. His breath hitched. His arms locked tighter around Cedric, more out of reflex than comfort, and a low groan slipped through his teeth.
Cedric stiffened immediately. Pulled back. Too fast, too sharp. His red-rimmed eyes darted over Finn, realization dawning. “Finn, you’re?—”
“Shhh,” Finn exhaled through gritted teeth, still half-wincing. “We were having a moment. Let me suffer in peace.”
Cedric did not look amused.
Finn sighed. “Fine. Yes. I am in horrible, agonizing pain. But that’s beside the point.” He waved a lazy hand, as if dismissing his own battered state.
A strangled sound slipped from Cedric, something between a disbelieving laugh and a sob. His shoulders sagged and the crease between his brows deepened. “Finn…”
Finn smirked. “I can’t have you thinking you’re the only one who’s suffering here.”
Cedric huffed out a breath—half-exasperation, half something else. But the guilt still lingered in his expression.
“Hey.” Finn reached up, thumbing away a stray tear on Cedric’s cheek. “I’d say we’re even now. You tried to kill me. I tried to talk you into killing me. Frankly, I think I was the bigger idiot.”
Cedric closed his eyes, his lips pressing into a thin line. Then, quietly, “Thank you.”
Finn didn’t ask for what. He just pulled Cedric back in, ignoring every screaming ache in his body, and held him.
After a moment, Cedric pulled back. He still looked like an emotional wreck, but his voice was stronger when he said, “We should…tend to our wounds.” He swallowed. “Especially yours. I don’t know how you even walked in the arena after…” He trailed off, lips pressing into a frown.
Finn huffed out a tired laugh. “Pure spite, mostly.”
A dry, broken chuckle escaped Cedric. “That...actually explains a lot.”
Finn smirked. “It’s gotten me this far.” Then he shook his head. “King Dickhead couldn’t have a half-dead man fighting a dragon. Wouldn’t be sporting.” He let sarcasm coat the words, covering them like armor. “He had a healer tend to me beforehand.”
Cedric blinked, then huffed out a derisive snort. “Well, that’s a small kindness I hadn’t expected. Twisted, but kind.” He paused, eyes narrowing. “King Dickhead? You called him that in the arena…I remember.”
“Oh, yes. I came up with many, many creative names for the current ruler of Lunareth while I was enjoying my stay in the dungeon.” Finn smiled, though even his face hurt.
Amusement danced in Cedric’s eyes. “I’d love to hear more of those in time.” Then he cleared his throat and shifted. “Give me a moment. I’m underdressed.” He disentangled from Finn, pushing to his feet as he strode the short distance to a peg holding a set of clothing.
Battered and bruised as he was, Finn couldn’t help himself. “That’s a pity. I was enjoying the view.”
Cedric froze, turning to stare at him. His face went utterly blank. “You...what?”
Finn laughed, the sound unexpected, scraping up from somewhere deep inside him. Gods, he needed that laugh.
