The healer set her bags down on the large terrarium center table with a soft thud and began to unpack a myriad of medical supplies; glass vials full with luminescent liquids, herbs that filled the air with an earthy aroma, and bandages neatly rolled.
Kiri watched fascinated as Lyall laid out an array of glimmering crystals around the corners of the table and her mixing bowls in the center. The healer’s hands were gentle as she unwrapped Kiri’s bandages, assessing the wounds beneath with a critical eye.
“How do you feel?” she asked, her voice lilting with a mild accent Kiri couldn’t place—almost ancient.
Kiri startled. She hadn’t expected to be addressed directly, and she eyed Monte, who stood behind the healer with watchful eyes. “I...umm…I’ve been better.”
A low growl rumbled from Monte’s throat, his dark eyes flashing with concern, worried gaze scanning her body. “Are you in pain? Should I get morevalmorablooms?”
“No, it’s all right,” Lyall soothed softly, her fingers continuing their gentle exploration on Kiri’s ankle. “The pain will fade with her marks and bruises. It’s a good sign that she is regaining feeling.”
As Monte relaxed, Kiri took in the sight of him. Dark fur matted and damp, clinging to his muscular form, horns gleaming ominously under the dim light. Yet his gaze was soft, his posture protective as he shifted his weight between his hooves.
“You’ve done well, Monte,” Lyall murmured, glancing up at the towering minotaur. “The healing tea has worked wonders. But there’s still much to be done.”
“How soon can I walk again?” Kiri blurted out, flitting between Lyall and Monte.
Lyall’s fingers probed Kiri’s injuries with a feather-light touch, her jade eyes narrowed in concentration. Kiri winced as the healer examined her sprained ankle, a hiss of pain escaping her lips.
“I know it hurts,” Lyall soothed, her voice soft and reassuring. “But you’re healing remarkably well thanks to Monte’s quick thinking. You’ll need to stay off this foot for a while, though. No walking if possible.”
Kiri nodded, biting her lip as she absorbed the healer’s instructions. The thought of being bedridden, even in a place as comfortable as Monte’s cabin, filled her with a sense of restlessness. She was used to being active, always on the move. The idea of being stationary, even for a short time, felt foreign and unsettling.
She was supposed to be working, not nursing an injury in the middle of nowhere, while needing to be dependent on monsters to care for her.
As if sensing her unease, Monte moved to Kiri’s side, his presence solid and comforting. “You’re safe here,” he rumbled, his voice a deep, soothing balm. “I’ll make sure you have everything you need.”
“I’m sorry, Kiri.” Lyall’s brows furrowed at Kiri’s discomfort, her hand freezing momentarily before proceeding with evengreater caution. “A little more pain now for a quicker recovery later.”
Before Kiri could respond, Lyall produced a crystal flask from her bag, the contents shimmering under the soft glow of the lanterns. She poured a viscous liquid onto her hands, warming it between her palms before applying it to Kiri’s ankle.
The sensation was strange—sharp and soothing at once, like ice water on a scorching summer day. As Lyall massaged the ointment into her ligaments, an electric pulse rippled through her ankle. She inhaled sharply from the sudden tingling sensation.
Monte caught her eye as he stood nearby, his gaze filled with concern. His knuckles tightened as he gripped the edge of his chair, but he said nothing. Just watched.
Kiri gave him a small nod—an ‘I’m okay.’ Monte’s gaze softened, but his body remained tense. Sighing, Kiri turned her attention back to Lyall, interested in the healer’s verdict about her injuries.
Somehow, the healer continued her work, unperturbed by the tension in the room from Monte’s presence.
“I’ll need some peace lily petals.” Lyall finally broke the silence without lifting her gaze from Kiri’s ankle. “They grow near the lake’s water edge.”
Without a word, Monte took off like a monster on a mission, following Lyall’s orders and dashing out the front door. The door slammed open as his thunderous steps echoed away.
Kiri found her gaze trailing after him, noting the tension that still radiated from his broad shoulders despite their shared smiles. A tight knot formed in the pit of her stomach as she struggled with the unfamiliar emotions from his determined display.
“Hey.” Lyall’s voice broke through her thoughts softly. “I can tell that he cares about you,” she continued, meeting Kiri’s eyes with a knowing look. “Don’t let your fear push him away.”
Taken aback by the healer’s comment, Kiri swallowed thickly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Monte typically keeps to himself and doesn’t leave his land often.” The healer huffed, and her ears flared as she pinned Kiri with her all-knowing emerald gaze. “But no matter what, he can’t keep himself from helping those in need. Even so, his reaction to your injury is more…hyper-aware…eager to help…than how he usually acts.”
“I didn’t plan any of this.” Kiri gestured to her sprained ankle. “I was on my way to your land because the firm who hired me assigned me to interview your pack and make content. I was supposed to promote the wonders of the Monster Island mountains in hopes to inspire hikers and those who want to get lost in nature.”
“The Moon Goddess works in mysterious ways…” Lyall chuckled softly as she began preparing a fresh batch of healing salve—her fingers deftly mixing herbs and oils together in a small wooden bowl. “Love rarely makes itself known until it has already rooted deep within our souls, dear Kiri.”
“What do you mean?” Kiri’s mouth dropped open in shock as she looked at the lycan healer. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Who said anything about love? We barely know each other!”
The silver lycan’s chuckle sounded like a deeper version of a hyena’s laughter. “You’ll soon see.”
