The Cycles of Revelation Series

Artifact of the Dawn: Burnout (A Queer Sci-Fi Adventure)

Episode 43: Ardyn suffers a mental breakdown, and Jevan takes him away from the Rahn’naa for a day to clear his head.

When Ardyn woke the next morning, he made his way to the shower, intending to begin his day as usual. After spending a few moments under the warm spray, Ardyn leaned his back against the wall and slowly slid down. Huddled on the floor, everything that had happened over the past weeks hit him all at once.

Ardyn didn’t realize how long he’d been staring blankly at the shower wall when Jevan gently shook his shoulder. “Ardyn? Are you alright?”

Looking up at Jevan’s concerned face, Ardyn shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Turning off the shower, Jevan gently helped Ardyn up and wrapped him in a towel. “I think you’re clean enough, at least,” he teased, trying to lighten the mood. Without even thinking, Ardyn leaned into his friend’s embrace while being led back to the bed.

“If Takyra wasn’t expecting us at breakfast soon, I’d suggest we just stay in bed all day,” Jevan said as he took another towel and worked on drying Ardyn’s hair. Ardyn leaned into the touch and gave Jevan a…