Chapter 50: Ray's Training
1356 Words
Luna’s POV
I stood there quietly, my eyes still fixated on the picture.
“Look like you?" Ray asked, looking back and forth from the picture to me.
“No, not really. I don't see any resemblance," he finally said, coming to a conclusion.
"But if you—”
“Luna!” Ray’s voice cut my words and broke my thoughts, sharp and rushed. “I’m going to be late for training!”
I blinked and looked up as he strapped on his boots, clearly in a hurry. “Oh, sorry."
“Do you know your way back to your chambers?” He asked, adjusting his belt.
“I do…” I paused, then smiled a little. “But I’d like to come with you. I want to watch you train.”
Ray froze, just for a second. “You shouldn’t,” he said, scratching the back of his head. “Healers aren’t allowed near the training grounds. It’s… kind of a rule.”
I frowned. “Seriously?”
“Yeah,” he mumbled, avoiding my eyes. “You should go back. I’ll see you later.”
He didn’t wait for my response. He rushed out, leaving the door swinging behind him.
I stared at the empty space he left behind, lips pressed into a tight line. That was weird. He didn’t even say a proper goodbye.
Sighing, I turned to leave. The palace corridors were quiet, except for the rustle of gowns and soft whispers. Halfway back to my chambers, I heard two maids talking at the corner near the grand staircase.
“Did you see how Mark bodied Ray during the duel?” one of them laughed.
“Like a rag doll!” the other giggled. “Ray didn’t even stand a chance.”
My feet stopped moving. They couldn't possibly be talking about my Ray. Could they?
“Honestly, how embarrassing can it be? He's always around Eli, yet he still can’t hold a sword properly.”
They laughed again.
I turned around, marched up to them and smiled sweetly. “Hi, can you show me the way to the training grounds?”
The maids blinked. One of them looked me up and down. “Hey, I know you, the new healer, right?” she said quickly.
“Yes, I am,” I replied, still smiling. “Now the directions, if you will.”
The other maid hesitated, then pointed. “Go down that hall, past the old armory. There’s a staircase that leads outside. You’ll hear the grunting and shouting—can’t miss it.”
“Thanks,” I said and walked away before they could ask any questions.
The path was easy to follow, though I stuck close to the walls, keeping my steps quiet. I heard the sounds before I saw anything—metal clashing, someone yelling commands, and then the hard thud of a body hitting the ground.
I crept closer and crouched behind a low stone wall. I didn't want to get caught since healers weren't allowed.
There he was. Ray.
Sweating, bruised, and breathing heavily. Someone else, larger than him—Mark, I assumed- was throwing punches at him. Hard ones.
Ray was trying to block but failing. Blood dripped from his nose, and his eye was already swelling.
“Feet apart!” an older man yelled, striking the ground with a long stick. “Brace your left side, Ray!”
Ray stumbled back, legs shaking. Mark moved fast, knocking him to the ground. He didn’t get up.
I gasped. “Ray!”
My feet moved before I could try to stop them. I ran into the field, straight to his side.
The older man stopped in front of me, blocking my way.
“Who do you think you are?” he demanded.
I stood straight, chin high, my heart pounding a little. “I’m the new healer,” I said calmly. “I know as a healer I'm banned and I’m not supposed to be here… but I won’t stand and watch him get hurt like this.”
“Master Eli, it's fine", Ray muttered under his breath.
Eli huh? So that's his name.
Eli stared at me for more than a minute, his eyes narrowing. Then something shifted in his expression. He looked… surprised. Maybe even unsure.
He said nothing.
I dropped to my knees beside Ray and gently touched his face. He groaned, trying to sit up.
“Don’t move,” I whispered, wiping the blood from his lip with my sleeve. “You’re okay.”
“Healers aren’t banned,” Eli finally muttered. “There’s no such rule.”
I looked up at him sharply.
Ray turned his face away, embarrassed.
Just then, Mark walked forward, grinning. “What’s wrong, Ray? Had to hide behind your little girlfriend, huh? Pathetic.” He mocked.
"I hear she's a healer. Maybe she can tend to me, too, privately.”
I stood up. “Say that again.”
“What? I think you should just focus on your weakling boyfriend for now, babe.”
Before he could blink, I grabbed his arm, twisted it behind his back, and shoved him down to one knee.
“Apologize,” I said, my voice cold.
Mark hissed in pain. “Get off me bitch."
I twisted it even more, one more twist away from it snapping. “I won't ask again."
“Fine! I’m sorry!”
I let go, and he stumbled away, clutching his arm. “Crazy b***h,” he muttered and stormed out.
Eli clapped his hands once. “Training’s cancelled for the day, class. See you all tomorrow.”
The boys collectively groaned, but they obeyed and walked off.
I turned back to Ray, who still sat on the ground, stunned.
“Come on,” I said, holding out my hand. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Ray took it slowly. I led him to a bench at the edge of the field. I pulled a small vial from my pouch and dabbed it on his cuts.
“Ah! That stings!”
I smirked. “That’s the point. Did you know pain builds character?”
He winced. “Remind me never to get into another fight around you. I wouldn't want to end up like Mark.”
“Noted,” I said, then sat beside him. “Ray, are you really okay?”
He hesitated. “They’re holding a funeral tonight. For the last healer… and the fallen warriors,” he tried to deflect my question.
“I know,” I said softly. “I’ll be there.”
He nodded but didn’t look at me.
I reached out and touched his face, gently pressing my fingers to his bruises. His skin warmed, then healed.
He looked at me in awe. “How do you do that?”
“I don’t know. Sometimes, I don't need potions to heal,” I said honestly. It just… happens.”
Ray went quiet for a while. Then he said, “You want to know why I told you not to come. Don't you?”
I nodded.
“Because I was embarrassed. I didn't want you to know that I was the weakest and still am when I got here. I’m not even part of the royal guard. I’m just a student under Eli. I'm just an extra during wars. No one expects much from me. And today... I didn’t want you to see me like that.”
His voice was small. But felt honest.
I placed my hand over his. “You don’t have to be the strongest to matter. I saw how you kept getting up even after being knocked down. Your determination means more than anything.”
He swallowed hard and nodded, his eyes wet.
“Now come on,” I said, standing. “Let’s get a quick snack before the funeral.”
He grinned. “Only if you promise not to beat up anyone else.”
“No promises,” I winked.
We walked off together, side by side. Ray wasn’t perfect—but he was real. And I was lucky to call him my friend.
- Writer
