I've Died a Thousand Times

Percy's heart broke at the sight of Ezra.

Ezra who was barely alive.

Percy demanded that he be taken to the infirmary. He watched as they stripped him out of his dirty, thin clothes, only to reveal bones covered in flesh.

Percy wanted to throw up, but he had to keep his composure.

Starvation was Ezra's diagnosis.

How could someone do this to another being?

They weren't sure if Ezra was going to survive, his breaths were low and ragged.

But they were going to try anyway, and when they managed to get a few drops of water past his lips, he responded.

Weakly, but it was still a sign, a sign he had a chance.

Percy was going to leave him in the infirmary but as he walked away he couldn't stand seeing someone who was once so beautiful. . . so weak and alone.

So Percy carried him up to his own sleeping room, his servants worried. But Percy ignored them, and ordered the nurses to give him what was needed so that he himself could nurse Ezra back to health.

Ezra was still a sad sight, but as he lay under Percy's sheets, Percy knew that he would be okay.