“Okay, we’re here now. What do we do?” Rubin asked, glancing around the quiet village.

“First, let’s get that prince to our medic. Wouldn’t want him bleeding out before we get answers, now, huh?” Kaelen said with a smirk.

Himu sighed, frustration clear in his voice. “I’m fine. My wound is bandaged up—just hurts like hell.”

Elara gave him a look before shifting under his weight, making sure he didn’t collapse. “Fine isn’t how I’d describe you,” she muttered.

Rubin watched as Aeloria sprinted toward the tallest building in the village, its dark wooden structure standing out against the smaller homes. She disappeared inside, leaving them to follow Kaelen, who merely chuckled and gestured for them to move.

“Come along now,” Kaelen said. “Our people don’t like outsiders wandering about. Best not to be alone.”

Rubin exchanged a glance with Elara before falling in step behind the elf. Kaelen’s white hair gleamed in the soft light filtering through the trees, and faint markings shimmered along his forearms, partially hidden beneath his sleeves. His pale blue eyes flicked between the villagers as they passed, ever watchful.

They approached a modest wooden house, the scent of herbs and dried flowers wafting from within. A sign hung above the door, the word ‘Medic’ etched into the wood.

Kaelen knocked once before pushing the door open. The inside was dimly lit by lanterns and the faint golden glow of enchanted runes carved into the walls. Shelves lined the space, filled with glass jars of crushed powders, dried roots, and vials of thick, shimmering liquid. The air carried a faint, soothing hum of magic.

At the center of the room, bent over a table covered in parchment and mortar bowls, stood a woman with long, snow-white hair braided over one shoulder. Her pale blue eyes were sharp, and intricate white markings traced elegant patterns across her face and hands, standing out against her smooth skin. More markings curled along her wrists, disappearing beneath the sleeves of her robes—evidence of her immense power.

She turned at their entrance, her gaze settling on Himu with quiet intensity.

“Kaelen,” she greeted, voice smooth but firm. “Who have you brought to me this time?”

Kaelen grinned. “A wounded prince.”

Elder Sylwen, the village’s healer and leader, arched an eyebrow but wasted no time. She strode forward, her movements graceful yet commanding. Without waiting for permission, she reached for Himu, her cool fingers pressing gently against his side. He stiffened, but she barely acknowledged it.

“You’re bleeding more than you should be,” she murmured, peeling away the bandage. The deep gash along his side was an angry red, still seeping despite the makeshift dressing.

Himu clenched his jaw, unwilling to show weakness. “I’ve had worse.”

Sylwen’s lips curved slightly, as if amused, before she lifted a hand over the wound. The markings along her fingers glowed softly, and a warm golden light pooled at her fingertips. The glow deepened as she murmured an incantation in the old tongue, the words vibrating through the space.

Himu inhaled sharply as the warmth seeped into his skin, a tingling sensation spreading through his side. The pain dulled, the wound knitting itself back together before their eyes. Sylwen’s expression remained calm, though a flicker of strain crossed her features as the last of the magic settled.

“There,” she said, drawing back. “The wound is closed, but you will still be sore for a while. Try not to get stabbed again.”

Himu rolled his shoulder, testing the newly healed skin. “I’ll do my best.”

Rubin, who had been watching with mild impatience, stepped forward. “Now that that’s taken care of, we need to talk. We’re expected in Elarion soon.”

Sylwen regarded him with a knowing look. “I am aware. Aeloria has already informed me of your mission.” She gestured to a small wooden table. “Sit. There are things you need to hear before you face the King and Queen.”

Kaelen leaned against the doorframe, his usual smirk gone. “Best listen closely. Elder Sylwen’s wisdom isn’t something you ignore.”

Elara helped Himu settle into a chair while Rubin took a seat across from Sylwen. The glow of her magic still lingered in the air as she folded her hands before her, eyes sharp and unreadable.

“There are dangers in Elarion you are not prepared for,” she began. “And if you walk in unguarded, you may not walk out at all.”

A heavy silence settled over the room as her words hung in the air.