The healing den felt like a world unto itself, tucked away from the chaos of the storm raging just beyond its walls. The wind howled like a wild beast, rattling the wooden timbers and sending rain thrashing against the roof. Inside, the fire crackled, casting dancing shadows across the room, its warmth a small comfort amid the fury outside. The world outside felt so far away—nothing but the storm and the dim glow of the fire as they clung to hope.
Xander had not moved from Aria’s side since he’d carried her in from the mountain pass. His eyes never strayed from her face, watching her every breath, every twitch of discomfort. His body was tight with exhaustion, but it was the anxiety that gripped him most. He hadn’t felt this powerless in years. He had fought wars, faced death without blin
