The walk back to the servant's quarters was the longest mile Elian had ever traveled.
His legs felt like overcooked noodles. His internal organs felt rearranged. And his rented Phantom Silk Suit—which he had forfeited his deposit on—was hanging off him in shreds, held together by one valiant button and sheer audacity.
He passed a mirror in the hallway.
He looked wrecked. His hair was a bird's nest. His lips were swollen and bitten. There was a bruise blooming on his jaw where Cassian's beard had scraped him.
'I look like I fought a bear,' Elian thought, touching his cheek. 'And the bear won. And then the bear kicked me out.'
He checked his timer.
[Time Until Death: 127 Hours, 30 Minutes.]
He had gained twelve hours from the... encounter. It was a decent payout.
'Twelve hours for my dignity,' Elian mused bitterly. 'That's roughly... what? Minimum wage?'
