Rook

There is nothing more terrifying than a scar.

Rook and Epel knew that Vil would be furious if he found out his face had been damaged.

A month had already passed since he’d fallen into a coma. Rook and Epel tried to visit him every day, but their own duties often kept them away. Rook had taken over the role of dorm leader, while Epel became vice-housewarden.

Sometimes the other Housewardens came to visit.

Riddle brought roses, hoping their fragrance might awaken Vil.

Azul spoke softly, confessing the turmoil of his own heart.

Kalim sang cheerful songs.

Ortho arrived carrying his brother’s tablet.

Only Leona and Malleus never came. Leona thought it a waste of time, while Malleus didn’t want to fright the hospital staff.

Vil’s father, Eric, sat by the bedside every day. His appearance worsened with each passing week: the color drained from his cheeks, silver began to thread through his hair, and wrinkles etched themselves across his face. During one visit, Riddle gently suggested he take a short rest, but Eric refused with tears in his eyes. Terrified he might miss the moment his son awoke.

Eventually, Riddle hired a caretaker to watch over him. Eric slept for three days straight, and when he returned to the hospital, he looked slightly better. At Vil’s bedside, he found Rook and Epel keeping vigil.

Eric: “Still not awake?” Eric asked softly.

Epel: “No, sir,” Epel answered.

Eric closed his eyes and trembled. Rook stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on his shaking shoulder.

Eric: “Vil is all I have left,” Eric whispered, tears slipping down his cheeks. “I-I can’t imagine… life without him…”

Rook: “He will wake up, monsieur,” Rook said gently. Rook: “You only have to wait.”

Eric: “How long… How long must I wait?”

Epel’s gaze fell to the bed, and his eyes widened.

Epel: “Mr. Venue!” he cried, turning to Eric. “Call the doctor!”

Vil’s hand twitched.

Rook and Epel waited in the corridor, straining to hear through the closed door, longing to be let in. From inside, they could make out the muffled voices of the doctors and Eric.

Then, suddenly, a high and panicked scream shattered through the walls.

Rook and Epel flinched. They pressed closer to the door, as Vil’s cry broke into wild and desperate sobs full of horror.

They gave Vil strong medicine to calm him down.