Page 256 of Scarbound

Duri looked at the hand. Then took it.

Noeul’s fingers closed around his.

Cold. Damp. Trembling.

“Will it hurt?” Noeul whispered.

“The examination may be uncomfortable,” Dr. Daniels said. “If something hurts, tell me and I stop.”

“I don’t want pain.”

“I know.”

“No more.”

Duri’s grip tightened slightly.

“No more,” Noeul repeated.

Dr. Daniels waited until Noeul looked at him. “Then we go slowly.”

Noeul nodded.

The examination began.

Dr. Daniels kept his movements brief and clinical, explaining before each one.

Noeul stared at Duri. Not at the doctor. Not at his own body.

Only Duri.

His hand tightened whenever the doctor moved. His breathing became uneven.

At one point, his entire body went rigid.

“Stop.”

Dr. Daniels stopped immediately.

Noeul squeezed his eyes shut.

Duri didn’t tell him to calm down. Didn’t tell him he was safe.

He simply remained there.

Noeul breathed.

Once.

Again.

Again.

“Do you want to continue?” Dr. Daniels asked.

Noeul didn’t answer for a long time.

“Finish.”