He hadn't made it in time.

Zack was nearly dead.

Shade was injured severely.

He hadn't been there to protect them.

He was a hero, he was supposed to protect them.

He fought, but as always, his twin was stronger, and he was saved by his six year old daughter.

Things took a turn for the worse.

Lyra had somehow overpowered her. The knife was raised high, and-

Warren shot up in the hospital bed with a small yelp. Looking around, he groaned.

It had been a nightmare.

Looking around, he saw he was hooked to machines of all kinds. His sensitive ears were beginning to ache from the beeping noises.

Covering his ears, Warren began to remember what had happened.

He looked around and felt his heart drop when he couldn't see Zack or Shade anywhere nearby.

I couldn't protect them.

He took a few deep breaths, willing himself to keep the emotions out.

Zack was dying.

He shook his head harshly, getting rid of the thoughts plaguing him.

Poking the IV needle, he glared at it as if it had caused all the problems.

He really hated hospitals.

"Oh, you're awake."

A nurse came in, and Warren looked over, bringing his face back to its usual neutral state. "Where is my student? Where is my family?"

"Your daughter is with Nala and Max Harrison, Shade is in the recovery area."

Warren stared at her. "Where is Zack?"

She squirmed, looking anywhere but at him.

"Where. Is. He."

She looked at the ground, then muttered, "They're not sure if he'll make it."

About two seconds later, Warren was trying to stand.

"S-Sir, you need to stay in bed, you're inju- Sir!"

Warren glared at her. "I'm going to him."

She sighed, then nodded. "Okay, I'm getting a doctor first though. And sit down, you're going to rip open the stitches."

Warren reluctantly sat, staring at the ground.

When she left, he let his shoulders slump and felt his eyes begin to water.

"They're not sure if he'll make it."

...

What kind of hero am I if I can't even protect my own husband?

The doctor came in, and Warren used magic to quickly get rid of the tears that had began to run down his face, going back to his usual neutrality.

The doctor helped him take out the needles and such. I've been here enough times to know how to take them out... Then, they left to go to Zack.

Unfortunately for the doctors, they didn't realize wouldn't be able to separate the two, especially after Zack woke up.

——————————

Whoa, Warren has emotions.

(I almost cried because he's a strong stoic hero, but here he is, trying not to break down.)

Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter.

It will probably get better from here.

I think.

I'm sleep deprived, sick, and emotional from some books on a different website, let me be sad.

See y'all in the next chapter. Bye!