Ah, fuck. I can't take this! It's so cringe!
Verena nearly burst out laughing at herself, but before she could, she heard a soft giggle, Evelyn was laughing too.
And just like that, she melted.
"What? Didn't you say I was your knight?" Verena teased, tilting her head dramatically.
Evelyn flinched, her cheeks blooming pink. "Yes, but… it's just quite silly…"
"Well, the silly knight wants to check where your wound is right now," Verena said, wiggling her fingers in mock anticipation.
Evelyn's blush deepened, but after a moment of hesitation, she shifted, biting her lip before carefully pulling back the fabric of her sleeve.
What was meant to be a playful moment immediately soured as Verena's breath hitched.
Blood.
Dark red streaked Evelyn's pale skin, smeared and dried along her shoulder and upper arm, trailing in uneven, harsh lines like some awful brushstroke.
The deep gash ran dangerously close to her collarbone.
"He went way too far," Verena blurted, eyes wide.
