Hours stretched into what felt like days as Zach paced outside the healer’s hut, his mind a whirlwind of anxiety and dread. The once-vibrant colors of the village now felt muted under the weight of his worry, the vibrant greens of the surrounding fields dulled by a heavy fog of uncertainty. Each tick of the clock echoed in his ears, reminding him of the precious time slipping away while Vera lay inside, fighting against the poison that coursed through her veins.
Daniel leaned against the wooden post of the hut, arms crossed tightly over his chest, his brow furrowed in concern. He had been silent for most of the waiting period, but Zach could sense the tension radiating from him. The village was becoming increasingly restless, and whispers of worry began to circulate, tainting the air with
