"You... I... how..." Kaelith's brain struggled to form words as his eyes locked onto Leonhardt, who was already up before him.
Leon crouched to face him and placed a finger on Kaelith's lips. "Hush. Don't say a word. That'll only bring you more pain, wouldn't it?"
A gasp escaped Kaelith's mouth at the coldness of Leonhardt's finger. His eyes squinted, and he gritted his teeth as he felt the pain in his body lessen—just slightly, like it had been halved. Yet, Leonhardt's closeness felt like thousands of needles pricking his skin. The very presence of him standing so near made Kaelith feel as if he might die.
Leonhardt placed a hand gently on Kaelith's shoulder, concern etched across his face as he observed Kaelith's pained expression. But Kaelith quickly shrugged his hand off. His lips pressed tightly together as he forced the words out: "So, you've thought me a fool all this while?"
