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Dorothea’s consciousness had been struggling to come to the surface but finally broke through when a guttural roar sounded through the canyon. Pain returned with the consciousness, and Dorothea gasped as the claw marks across her chest burned with renewed agony.
“Quiet,” hissed the person keeping her upright. “Caspar is trying to distract the hawk.”
Pushing away the feeling of blood dripping down her torso, Dorothea looked around. Caspar was, indeed, calling out insults and waving his arms at the giant bird that had appeared at the mouth of the Red Canyon. It seemed to be working well enough. The hawk was advancing on him and shrieking.
Dorothea leaned into her savior’s side. “Thank you, Edie.”
Edelgard had one arm wrapped around Dorothea’s waist, the other holding her axe handle firmly. “Don’t thank me yet. We are still not safe.”
“But if you’re here, I assume that means our dear Professor is alright?”
“Yes. They should be here with Hubert at any moment.”
The jacket of Dorothea’s uniform stuck to her skin, darkening with blood. She bit back another gasp and Edelgard began backing them behind a large red stone boulder. Only once they were out of sight of the hawk did Edelgard turn to Dorothea. “How do you feel? They need us back out there.”
“G-Give me a moment.” Dorothea put a hand over her chest, trying to summon any white magic. She cursed when a feeble trickle brushed against the wound. That wouldn’t do it. “Hold on.” She began rummaging in her bag for a vulnerary.
Edelgard peered around the boulder. “Hurry,” she urged, tightening her grip on her axe.
Dorothea nodded, lips pursed and head swimming. She had to patch herself up and help her classmates. She had to get revenge on that stupid bird. She had to make sure they got the Professor out of here…
The world pitched sideways.
“Dorothea!”
Edelgard’s panic forced Dorothea’s eyes back open. She was laying with her head in Edelgard’s lap. It didn’t feel like any time had passed– but then, how did Edelgard get behind her?
A hand brushed away the shredded part of her uniform and Dorothea heard Edelgard breathe in sharply. “Why didn’t you say h-how bad it was?” The tremor in her voice was almost as painful as the claw marks.
Dorothea touched Edelgard’s wrist to stop her fretting. "I’m fine, Edie, don’t–”
“You are not fine! I shouldn’t have led you all out here with me. We were not prepared.” The worry suddenly left Edelgard’s expression and left behind a scowl. “What are you smiling about?!”
“Sorry,” Dorothea said, moving her hand to grip Edelgard’s properly. “It’s just funny, someone like you fretting over someone like me.” Her eyes slipped shut again. “You’re a special one, Edie…”
Dorothea could hear Edelgard calling for Hubert and the Professor. She could feel Edelgard practically digging her nails into the back of Dorothea’s hand. She could feel the earth shake as another beast descended upon the canyon.
And yet, Dorothea felt totally, utterly, safe.