Chapter 85: Hidden Secrets
The infirmary was bustling with activity, filled with the scent of herbs and healing balms. Talia stood at a counter, grinding herbs with a pestle and mortar, her back facing the door.
“Just set it on the table, Lance. I’ll—” Talia turned, her words halting when she saw Lily. Her face brightened immediately. “Lily! What a pleasant surprise!”
Lily smiled and waved as she entered the room. Her hands were wrapped in clean bandages.
“I haven’t seen you around the main packgrounds for days,” Talia said, wiping her hands on her apron. “I was starting to worry. Where have you been hiding yourself?”
Lily chuckled lightly, hands moving quickly to sign a response when Talia caught sight of her bandaged fingers. Her healer’s instinct kicked in immediately.
“Goddess above, what happened to your hands?” Talia rushed forward, gently taking Lily’s hands in hers. She turned them over, examining the bandages with a critical eye. “And look at this dirt under your nails! Have you been back working in the fields?”
Lily shook her head quickly, pulling her hands back to sign.
‘It was a secret. I’ll tell you about it when it’s done.’
Talia raised an eyebrow, curiosity clearly piqued. “A secret? That doesn’t explain these wounds.” She gestured toward a chair. “Sit. At least let me take a look at them.”
Before Lily could protest, the infirmary door swung open again. Ezra walked in. Lily hadn’t seen him since their conversation days ago, where he stopped her from approaching Zayn. She quickly realized she hadn’t heard from Zayn in a few days either.
“Lily,” He called out to her, voice weary, “Zayn is looking for you.”
Lily lit up, pointing at herself as she looked to Ezra for confirmation.