Chapter 55 The healer
River
The dim light of the tavern flickers above me, casting shadows across the wooden table where I sit with Kellan and Aloria’s father, Edrin. The air is thick with the scent of ale and roasted meat, but my mind is elsewhere. We’re deep in conversation, plotting our next move to reclaim the throne for Aloria’s family, to restore her father as king, and to bring peace back to our fractured lands.
“Every day we wait, our enemies grow stronger,” I say, my voice a low rumble. “We need to strike before they know what’s coming.”
Kellan nods, his eyes sharp. “We have allies in the north. If we can rally them, we’ll have the numbers we need to take back what’s ours.”
Edrin leans forward, his brow furrowed. “And the lycan council? They won’t support a move without proof of strength. We need a demonstration.”
Just as the tension in the room thickens, the door swings open with a bang, and Aloria’s brothers, Arly and Arthenon, storm in, their faces pale and frantic.
“River! Dad!” Arly calls out, breathless. “You have to come. It’s Aloria… She’s been bitten.”
Panic ignites in my chest like a wildfire. I’m on my feet in an instant, my chair clattering to the ground. “What do you mean, bitten?” I demand, my heart racing as I follow them out of the tavern, Kellan and Edrin close behind.
“She was attacked in the alley,” Arthenon explains, his voice trembling. “We saw it happen. Two vampire attacked Arly and Aloria and mom saved him, but Aloria was bitten.”
The word sends a chill down my spine, and I push through the tavern doors, racing towards the small cottage where Aloria and her family live. The world around me blurs as I navigate the cobblestone streets. I can feel the weight of fear pressing against my chest. Aloria can’t be hurt; she’s too important, to me and to our plans.
As we reach them… my heart pounding in my ears. Inside, I find Aloria sprawled on the ground, her mother, Elara, supporting her upper body. Blood seeps from a vicious bite on Aloria’s side, dark and menacing against her pale skin.
“Aloria!” I rush to her side, kneeling beside her. “What happened?”
Her eyes flutter open, and she winces as she tries to sit up. “River… I’m… I’m okay,” she murmurs, but the tremor in her voice betrays her.
“Okay?” I scoff, my voice trembling with urgency. “You’re bleeding! Why aren’t you healing?”
Edrin steps forward, his expression grave as he kneels beside his daughter. “Vampire bites are different. They don’t heal like normal wounds. They’re infused with poison, a dark magic that corrupts the blood.”
“What?” I feel as though the ground has shifted beneath me. “But we have to do something! There has to be a way to help her!”
Kellan places a steadying hand on my shoulder. “We need to get her to the healer. The only way to counteract vampire venom is with ancient remedies. We can’t waste any time.”
“Let’s go,” I say, my voice resolute. I slip my arm beneath Aloria’s shoulders, preparing to lift her, but Elara shakes her head.
“Be careful, she needs to stay still. Moving could make it worse.” Tears glisten in her eyes as she looks at me, filled with a mother’s anguish. “We need to act fast, but we can’t rush.”
The boys stand beside us, their faces a mix of worry and determination. “We’ll run ahead and find the healer,” Arly insists. “We can help her, River. We won’t let her die.”
I nod, but doubt clings to my thoughts. The weight of the situation presses down on me like a heavy shroud. Aloria is strong, but can her strength withstand this darkness? I can’t lose her, not when I have just gotten her back..
As we turn the corner, I spot the flickering lights of the healer’s hut and Aloria’s brothers waving us forward. “There!” I shout, my heart pounding in my chest. “We have to hurry.”
Pushing through the door, I find the healer, an elderly woman with silver hair and knowing eyes. “What brings you here in such a hurry?” she asks, her voice smooth like honey.
“Aloria’s been bitten by a vampire,” I say, desperation dripping from every word. “We need your help.”
She points to a table where I gently place Aloria, letting the healer examine her.
Her expression shifts, a flicker of concern crossing her weathered features. “Vampires… yes, their bites carry a dark curse. I can help, but I’ll need ingredients… rare ones.”
“What do you need?” I ask, adrenaline surging through me. “I’ll get them, whatever it takes.”
She lists off the items, and I nod, determination coursing through my veins. “I’ll find them.”
“Stay with her,” I instruct Aloria’s family, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. “I’ll find everything the healer needs and bring them back.”
Kellan and I bolt from the cottage, racing through the streets, the warm afternoon air suddenly feels cool against my skin. The urgency drives me forward, a primal instinct pushing me to protect those I care about.
With Kellan at my side, we race into the city, hunting for the ingredients that could save Aloria. The shadows seem to stretch longer, the threat of the vampires still looming, but the thought of Aloria’s face, pale and wounded, drives me onward. I can’t fail her. I won’t fail her.
We split up, searching in every nook and cranny of the market and shops surrounding it, my heart racing as I gather what I can. Each item feels like a step closer to salvation, and I can almost hear Aloria’s voice urging me on, reminding me of our bond, of the strength that lies in unity.
Finally, with the last ingredient in hand, I race back to the healer’s hut, breathless and desperate. “I have everything.” I call out, bursting through the door.
“Good,” she nods, her eyes alight with purpose. “Now, let’s save your mate.”
As she continues her work, I feel the weight of the world pressing down on me. But in that moment, amid the chaos and uncertainty, I know one thing for sure: I will do whatever it takes to safe Aloria.