CHAPTER 4
1124 Words
CHAPTER 4
The guards led me through the huge palace gates and down long stone hallways I remembered too well. My silver robes brushed the floor as I walked with my head high. No one knew I was once the broken maid who cried in these same corridors three years ago.
“Lady Elowen,” the head guard said politely, “the king has ordered that you start your work right away. Your magic is needed most in the pack hospital. Many soldiers came back wounded from the border fights. We will take you there first.”
I nodded calmly. “Thank you. Lead the way.”
We reached a wide building attached to the main palace. The sign above the door read “Royal Pack Hospital.” The moment we stepped inside, the smell of healing herbs and fresh bandages filled the air. Healers in white coats and nurses in gray uniforms turned to look at me.
A tall woman with kind eyes rushed forward. “You must be Lady Elowen of the Silver Veil! We received word of your arrival. I am Head Healer Mara. Welcome!”
I smiled politely. “Thank you, Head Healer Mara. I am here to help in any way I can.”
Another healer, a young man named Theo, stepped closer. “My lady, we have heard stories about your moon magic. Can you really calm angry wolves and close deep wounds without stitches?”
“Yes,” I answered. “The Silver Veil taught me well. Show me the worst cases first. I want to start working immediately.”
Mara clapped her hands. “Everyone, gather round! Lady Elowen is here to assist us. Introduce yourselves quickly.”
A short nurse named Lila bowed. “I’m Lila, my lady. I handle the bandages and medicines. It is an honor.”
An older healer named Finn shook my hand warmly. “Finn here. I’ve been treating battle wounds for twenty years. If your magic works half as well as they say, you will save many lives today.”
I looked around the busy room. Beds lined the walls with injured wolves groaning in pain. “I am ready. Please take me to the first patient.”
They showed me a young soldier whose leg was badly torn by enemy claws. I placed my hands over the wound and let cool moon energy flow from my palms.
“Feel the light,” I whispered to him. “It will ease the pain.”
The soldier’s eyes widened. “It… it doesn’t hurt anymore! The bleeding stopped!”
Mara gasped. “Incredible! We usually need hours for that kind of wound.”
Theo laughed excitedly. “Lady Elowen, you are a miracle! Can you teach us even a little?”
I smiled. “Of course. After I settle in, we can begin lessons.”
They gave me a small private room at the back of the hospital for my things. I unpacked my moon crystals and silver robes while chatting with Lila.
“You seem so calm and strong,” Lila said. “Most new emissaries look nervous on their first day. How do you stay so confident?”
I folded a robe neatly. “I have faced worse things than a busy hospital. The Moon Goddess gave me this power for a reason. I will not waste it.”
Finn brought me a cup of warm tea. “Drink this, my lady. You must be tired from the journey. The king will want to see you soon, but rest first.”
“Thank you, Finn,” I replied. “The tea smells wonderful. Tell me, how bad have the border attacks been lately?”
“Very bad,” he sighed. “Lord Varak keeps pushing for more soldiers, but we lose too many good men. Your magic might change that.”
We talked for almost an hour. I felt myself settling in fast. The hospital staff treated me with respect. For the first time in years, I started to believe I really could become valuable here.
Then, all of a sudden, loud footsteps and shouts filled the halls.
“Everyone out!” a guard yelled from the main door. “Now!”
Healers dropped what they were doing. Nurses grabbed supplies and ran. Patients who could walk hurried outside. I stood frozen, confused.
“What is happening?” I asked Lila as she pulled my arm.
“I don’t know, my lady!” she said quickly. “But when they shout like that, we obey. Come on!”
I followed the crowd out into the open courtyard in front of the hospital. My heart beat faster. Everyone gathered in a nervous group. I stayed near the front, still wearing my emissary robes.
Then I saw her.
Lady Isolde walked toward us from the palace steps. Her black hair was perfect, her dress expensive and dark red. She looked exactly the same as three years ago, only angrier. She stopped right in front of me, her eyes narrowing.
“Who the hell are you?” she demanded loudly.
I opened my mouth to answer politely. “I am Lady Elow—”
“Did I ask you to talk?” Isolde screamed, cutting me off. Her face twisted with rage. “You stand there in fancy silver robes acting like you belong here? Who sent you? What are you doing in my palace?”
The whole courtyard went silent. Healers behind me whispered nervously.
Mara tried to speak. “My lady, this is the emissary from the Silver Veil Coven. The king himself approved—”
“Silence!” Isolde snapped at Mara. “I did not speak to you.” She turned back to me, stepping so close I could smell her heavy perfume. “You look familiar. Too familiar. Answer me properly. Who are you really?”
I stood my ground. My voice stayed calm and clear even though my hands wanted to shake. “I am Lady Elowen of the Silver Veil Coven. I was invited as an official emissary to help with healing and border protection. My magic has already helped your soldiers inside.”
Isolde laughed sharply. “Helped? You think some moon tricks make you important? I decide who helps in this palace. I decide everything!” She raised her hand high, ready to slap me across the face. “You will learn your place right now, you little—”
A deep, powerful voice cut through the air like thunder.
“What is going on here?”
Everyone froze. I knew that voice instantly. It was lower and colder than I remembered, but it still sent chills down my spine.
King Darius!
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