Like anyone else, Eldric needed to eat—and making money was definitely on his mind.
His game plan? Land a job first. With his medical skills, that wouldn't be tough. A paycheck would cover the basics—that's all he needed for now.
Once he had rent and ramen money secured, he could help those in need without hesitation.
Maybe later, if he saved up, he'd open his own clinic. But even then, no crazy fees. Healing came first, not profits. A modest charge would do. Money never drove him—just keeping the lights on would be enough.
Patients without cash? He'd never turn them away. Free treatment? No problem.
That's why he never expected repayment from Samai. As Lirael's best friend, treating her for free was only right.
But Samai saw things differently. The insomnia had nearly broken her, an
