Chapter 9: The Price of a Healer
The Royal Garden
"Good day," the girl spoke softly. Her voice was smooth like silk, but strong like steel beneath. "My name is Rose."
Caelen looked up from his seated position and stood, offering a polite nod. "Hi... I’m Caelen."
Rose’s lips curved into a faint smile. "So, you’re the healer who’s supposed to fix my arm?" Her eyes darted briefly to the empty space where her left arm should’ve been.
"Yes," Caelen answered calmly, hiding the storm inside his chest.
The high priest motioned for her to sit on a stone pedestal, and Rose obeyed. As she settled, she turned back to Caelen. "Then... I’ll leave it to you."
Caelen took a deep breath, placing his hand slightly above the scarred shoulder where the limb was lost. His fingers glowed green.
"Heal," he whispered.
Suddenly—WHUMM!
A low vibration rippled through the air like a gong echoing in water. The world warped. Colors bled. Everything slowed.
Caelen’s eyes widened.