In the silence after war, the true battle begins—not against enemies, but within the heart that must guide what remains of the warrior who fought the battle.
—Ray Decker, Rebirth of the Eldar
CHAPTER 35
Ray woke in the medbay of the Shinobi, lying on the same triage table where Ichiro had first treated him for a gunshot wound. He recognized it instantly. He also recognized the warmth in his hand and knew without looking that it was Kaylie. She had been holding his hand while he slept, just as he had held her hand during her recovery.
He opened his eyes to look at her. Her breath caught as she looked back, her eyes filled with worry and relief. He felt her hands trembling in his. Ray sat up on the table, checking himself over. The wounds were still present, but they were almost healed. “How long was I out?” he asked, his voice hoarse.
“Almost a day,” Kaylie said, releasing his hands.