Keifer POV
The hospital waiting area had quieted down into a heavy, almost unbearable stillness. Most of the Section E boys had gone home to sleep, their faces pale from exhaustion and grief. Only a few stayed behind, hovering like shadows in the dim light. The sterile smell of the hospital still lingered, sharp in my nose, clinging to the tension in the air.
I looked down. Jay was in my arms, her body trembling slightly even in sleep, eyes wet and red from crying over Aunty Katherine. My own heart ached just watching her, feeling how fragile she was right now.
Hex… of course, Hex had ended up knocked out on Aries' leg. Carlos' strike to the side of his neck had been brutal, but it had at least stopped him from rampaging further. He looked small, almost defenseless, curled up with his black singlet rumpled and messy hair falling across his forehead. Aries didn't even flinch, letting him rest while I kept my attention on Jay.
Her breathing was uneven, a little hiccuping cry occasionally escaping her throat as she dreamed. My hand moved instinctively to her back, rubbing slow, comforting circles. She's been through too much today. Too much. And yet… she's still here. Still strong. Still… my Jay-Jay.
"Hey…" I whispered softly, almost to myself, but loud enough for her to feel the warmth. "…you're safe. You're safe."
The doctor came out quietly, footsteps echoing faintly in the long hallway. I straightened slightly, pulling myself together. His expression was careful, calm, but I could see the weight behind his eyes.
"Sir… please lower your voice a little," he said quietly, gesturing toward the body. "The patient's body will need proper arrangements. It can be cremated or buried, depending on what you decide."
I nodded, looking down at Jay in my arms and then at Hex sleeping on Aries' lap. I felt a strange sense of responsibility settle over me.
"We'll bury her," I said firmly, voice low but steady. "She deserves rest. Nothing else."
The doctor nodded once, respect in his eyes, and left. The corridor went back to silence.
Yuri, ever the quiet one, stepped forward, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll drop Hannah and Nathan at their homes and return," he said softly. He looked tired, worn out from the tension and worry.
I nodded, watching him leave. My eyes caught movement—a faint whisper of a laugh between him and Hannah outside the doors. I frowned. What is that about? I didn't have the energy to investigate right now.
My attention immediately went back to Jay. Her body shifted slightly in her sleep, letting out a small, distressed sound. My hand moved to her cheek, wiping away invisible tears.
"Shh… it's okay," I murmured, brushing her hair back gently. "You're safe. No matter what… okay? Nothing can hurt you here. Not now. Not ever."
She twitched slightly, letting out a muffled whimper, and I held her closer, adjusting her position so she was more comfortable against my chest. The weight of the day, the grief, the helplessness… it pressed down on me like a stone. But I could carry it. For her. For Hex. For everyone who needed me.
I caught a glimpse of Hex through the corner of my eye. His small body was still curled against Aries' leg, and I felt a flicker of protective frustration. The boy didn't know how fragile life could be sometimes, how much one moment could change everything. He had a fire in him… but he also needed us to help guide it.
I sighed, closing my eyes briefly, letting myself feel the heaviness that came with the loss of Aunty Katherine. The warmth of Jay's sleeping head on my chest grounded me. The quiet breathing, the soft tug of her fingers against my shirt—it was a small anchor in the storm of everything else.
I promised myself silently: I would keep them safe. Jay. Hex. Even Percy. All of them. No matter what.
Even if the world felt like it was burning around us, even if nothing made sense anymore… I would not let them face it alone.
"Shh… don't cry, Jay-Jay," I whispered again, more firmly this time, my hand lingering on her cheek. "You're safe. I'm here. Always."
And I would stay.