Chapter 34: One Bed In The Onyx Hotel

Kane snatched the key, eager to escape the clerk’s too-knowing gaze.

They trudged down the hallway, their footsteps leaving wet prints on the worn carpet.

"Room twelve," Kane muttered, sliding the key into the lock. The door swung open with a creak.

The room was small but surprisingly clean. Beige walls, faded floral curtains, and a single queen bed dominated the space.

A simple desk sat beneath a mirror, and a narrow wardrobe stood in the corner.

Kane didn’t know what he expected. Maybe something haunted, or at least weirder.

Cyrus surveyed the room with a grimace. No couch, no chairs comfortable enough for sleeping—just the bed.

"I’ll sleep on the floor," muttered Cyrus.

"Don’t be ridiculous," Kane said, dropping their bag. "We’re both adults. We can share a bed for one night."

Before Cyrus could protest, Kane bounded across the room and launched himself onto the right side of the mattress.

"I call dibs on this—" His declaration transformed into a sharp gasp as pain shot through his ribs.

He curled inward, clutching his side, the earlier battle’s injuries making themselves known again.

Cyrus stood at the foot of the bed, arms crossed. "That was remarkably stupid."

"Ugh...Yeah," Kane wheezed.

Cyrus sighed, reaching for their backpack. He rummaged through it, pulling out a set of clean clothes.

"I’m going to shower," he announced, his tone clipped. "Try not to injure yourself further in my absence."

Kane rolled onto his back, wincing.

"I’ll heal you when I return." Cyrus paused at the bathroom door.

"Take your time," Kane called after him. "I’ll just lie here, bleeding internally. No rush."

The bathroom door clicked shut. Kane heard the shower sputter to life, pipes groaning in protest before water began to flow.

He stared at the water-stained ceiling, cataloging his injuries. His ribs throbbed with each breath, and various cuts stung beneath his tattered clothes.

The day’s events replayed in his mind—the temple, the guardian, Cyrus’s transformation.

He’d seen the dragon in his full glory, wings extended, power unleashed. It was both terrifying and... captivating.

Steam seeped from beneath the bathroom door, carrying the faint scent of cheap motel soap.

Kane peeled off his sodden shirt, grimacing as the fabric stuck to his wounds.

The cold air hit his damp skin, raising goosebumps across his chest and arms.

He tossed the ruined garment onto the floor and eased back against the pillows, careful not to aggravate his injuries.

The patter of rain against the window created a soothing rhythm.

Kane’s eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion overtook him. He fought it briefly, then surrendered, allowing himself to drift off.

A warm pressure on his chest roused him. Kane blinked awake to find Cyrus sitting on the edge of the bed, his hand resting lightly over Kane’s ribs.

The dragon wore clean clothes, his damp hair slicked back, releasing the fresh scent of shampoo.

"Don’t move," Cyrus instructed, his voice low.

Cyrus’s palm radiated heat against his bare skin. A faint crimson glow emanated from beneath Cyrus’s fingers, spreading across Kane’s torso like liquid fire.

"This will hurt," Cyrus warned, his eyes meeting Kane’s.

Warmth intensified to burning. He bit his lip to stifle a cry as Cyrus’s healing energy penetrated his wounds, knitting damaged tissue back together.

The burning sensation gradually subsided, leaving behind a pleasant warmth that radiated through Kane’s entire body.

His breathing steadied as the pain ebbed away completely. The ache in his ribs vanished as if it had never existed.

"Is this what you did to me before?" Kane asked, suddenly aware of how close Cyrus remained, palm still resting against his bare chest. "When you found me in the warehouse?"

"Cyrus said nothing and nodded once.

"I, uh..." Kane cleared his throat, shifting away from Cyrus’s hand. "Thanks. For the healing. Again."

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, pointedly avoiding eye contact. "Guess I’ll grab that shower now."

Kane stood, testing his newly healed body with careful stretching.

"I might have used up all the hot water," Cyrus said, his voice returning to its usual detached tone.

That’s fine, I think a cold shower might do me some good. Kane grabbed his bag and retreated to the bathroom.

The bathroom mirror had fogged completely, Kane’s reflection a ghostly blur as he stripped off his remaining clothes.

He stepped into the shower, shivering as the cold water hit his skin. Cyrus hadn’t been lying about using all the hot water.

As the chill water washed away dirt and dried blood, Kane’s thoughts raced. The healing had felt... intimate. Too intimate.

The way Cyrus’s hand had lingered on his chest, the intensity in those crimson eyes. It stirred something uncomfortable within him.

Or was it uncomfortable? Kane wasn’t sure anymore.

He scrubbed harder than necessary, as if he could wash away the confusion along with the grime.

It was just healing. That’s all it was. A dragon thing. A spirit-magic thing. Right?

Kane turned off the water and toweled himself dry, pulling on clean sweatpants and a t-shirt.

He stepped out of the bathroom, running a hand through his damp hair. The room was darker now, lit only by the faint glow of a bedside lamp.

To his surprise, Cyrus was already asleep in the bed.

The dragon lay on his back, one arm resting across his chest, the other stretched along his side.

His breathing came slow and deep, his usually guarded expression softened by sleep.

Kane hesitated, suddenly unsure. He’d been so cavalier about sharing the bed earlier, but now, faced with the reality of sliding in beside Cyrus, he felt strangely nervous.

He approached quietly, studying the sleeping dragon.

The harsh lines of his face had relaxed, and his dark hair fell across his forehead in a way that made him seem almost... human.

Kane eased onto the mattress, wincing at every creak of the springs. Cyrus didn’t stir.

Carefully, Kane pulled the covers over himself, maintaining a respectful distance from his reluctant roommate.

He reached over and switched off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness save for the occasional flash of lightning through the thin curtains.

Thunder rumbled in the distance as Kane drifted between sleep and wakefulness.

The unfamiliar bed creaked beneath him with each subtle movement.

"Don’t... leave me..."