Thalia stared at the healers of Velkarin.
They stood there facing down the six standing armed bandits without flinching or even looking worried. Just three people in brown tunics against men who'd been ready to r**e and kill moments ago.
Hope flickered in her chest. It was small and fragile, but still there.
These were the legendary healers she'd only heard about in stories. The ones whose status sat higher than even the great houses. When they spoke, alphas listened. When they moved through territories, everyone made way.
She'd never seen one in person before.
The man at the front spoke. "Yes, you're right. We are pacifists." His voice came out calm and steady without fear. "Well known for it actually because we don't kill as our teachings forbid violence."
The hope in Thalia's ches
