Moonlight poured through the shattered shutters, painting silver streaks across the stone walls of the healing quarters. Outside, the world was fire and chaos. Steel clashed. Wolves howled. The valley shook under the weight of war. Blood stained the mud. So did I hope.
Inside, it was a quieter kind of storm. The air held its breath. Aria lay on a makeshift pallet, her skin slick with sweat, the rough wool beneath her soaked and scratchy. The room had become a sanctuary built out of desperation. Guards stood at every door. Archers lined the windows. The floor was littered with bandages, bowls of herbs, and blades sharp enough to heal or harm.
Mira knelt beside her, calm and focused, her hands firm as she wiped Aria’s brow. Her voice stayed soft but steady. “You’re doing well. Just a littl
