65 Pain Revealed and a White Hart (1/3)

"I wish you wouldn't have done that," Rowan whispered as they descended the stairs of the hospital. When Wren tried to help him, Rowan pushed his hand away.

Wren let his arm fall by his side, and Rowan felt a twinge of guilt.

"What was I supposed to do? Let the healer put his hands all over you when you clearly said you were uncomfortable?" Instead of his usual stubborn tone, Wren's voice held a hint of something akin to panic.

The guilt intensified, but Rowan was too frustrated to acknowledge it yet. "I'm not talking about him. You promised to stay hidden one more time…I know you were struggling, but I think you wanted Lysander to know you were there."

"It's not as if you were trying very hard, either." Wren stopped walking. "But…it is difficult for me to be in his presence. I felt like I was looking at someone else. His face today, so sure of everything, so much like…his brother. It made me remember things, and I couldn't help it. I'm sorry."