Page 17 of Wraithwound

“Exhaustion can trump many things,” Lena said.

Ahgrie chuckled, the sound warm and bright. Lena had been afraid she would be plagued by images of a still-beating heart in her hand when she lay down, but after a couple bowls of stew and a bath, she’d fallen asleep quickly and hadn’t woken up until morning.

Ahgrie finished pulling the bandages off and smiled again, brighter this time. “I dare say there’s been some progress.”

Lena scrunched her neck, trying to get a better view of her chest and shoulder. She was amazed to see Ahgrie was right. The swelling had decreased dramatically, giving way to smoother pink skin that seemed on its way to healing instead of rotting. The center of the jagged wounds also looked different. It was more akin to leather now, still discolored, a greyish black, but no longer festering. Hope sparked, clear and bright, in her heart. She knew it was foolish to get her hopes up, but she couldn’t help the sense of relief that flooded her.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

Ahgrie squeezed her hand twice in return before reaching for the fetid goop. “A small group of the Healer’s Org is meeting tonight, mostly old friends of your mother’s. I think you met most of them when you were a child. They might be able to help us explore other options for treatment.”

“Okay.” Lena nodded. She knew Ahgrie wouldn’t suggest it unless they were trustworthy. And it gave her a measure of comfort to hear they’d known her mother.

“Good. I’ll come back tonight to retrieve you. I don’t think it’s wise for you to leave the house, but if you do, it’d be best in late afternoon. I left some money for you by the front door but stay away from the barracks,” she said with a wink, and headed to the basin to wash her hands.

“Ahgrie, thank you. I—” Lena started.

“Don’t. I would do it again and again. You are our family,” she said sternly. Lena dropped her gaze to the floor unable to voice her regret for how she had treated Jessa, but Ahgrie put a hand under her chin, tilting her face upward. “Grief is but another beast in the shadows. Who’s to tell how we’ll react to it once it shows itself? The good news is there is time to fix it, Lena. Despite everything, you both still have time.”

Ahgrie rushed out of the house a short time later. Lena begged to her to be safe when meeting with Orvain. She considered asking Ahgrie not to inquire directly about wraithwounds but knew she’d have none of it.

Having nothing else to do and suddenly exhausted, she went back upstairs after breakfast. After using the goop to tend to the tips of her fingers, she lay down, intent on resting her eyes for moment.

When she awoke, it was late afternoon. Lena washed, dressed, and then shifted her focus to taking stock of her supplies. She still had to devise a plan for leaving the city. As much as she longed for the safety, familiarity, and comfort of Ahgrie’s house, she couldn’t stay. Every day she remained in their home put them at risk. She needed some warmer clothes, food that was less likely to spoil, and to ensure her medical kit was full.

Donning Jessa’s clothes, a pair of leather gloves she’d found, and one of her cloaks, she set out for the market.

The sun hung low in the sky, a chill wind winding its way through the city. But instead of the near empty streets she was expecting to see, they were teeming with people, especially closer to the markets. Making sure to avoid those who wore robes and veils, she stopped by a market stall with an older woman arranging soaps and other wares.

“Is there something going on tonight?” Lena asked, raising her voice above the din of the crowd.

“Not from here then?” the woman asked, eyeing her warily. “Tonight is the Moon Festival you dull girl.”

Lena scowled. Oh. Oh. That was likely why Ahgrie suggested she meet with the Healer’s Org tonight. With the crowds, it’d be safer for Lena to make her way through the city.

“That’s today? It completely slipped my mind!” she said, letting her voice slip into a higher pitch.

It was the vendor’s turn to scowl as Lena turned and began pushing her way through the crowded streets once more. She made quick work of locating some extra clothes and bandages, but rare herbs, salves, and tonics were sparse. That must have been what Jessa meant when she said the Commander was restricting access to medicine. She had just purchased some dried meat from a different vendor and was thinking about turning back when a rough voice whispered in her ear.

“Lena Morwen Elisande, is that you?”

Lena spun around to see a handsome young man grinning at her.

“Corvin Conover,” she breathed before launching herself at him, injuries be damned.

He caught her with sturdy arms and squeezed her tightly, her feet dangling off the ground for a long moment. Corvin was two years younger than she was, but his tall, broad frame made him look slightly older.

“What in the EverGods are you doing here? Buying more onyxwood powder?” he teased.

“Shhh!” She elbowed him, unable to keep the smirk off her face.

“And on the day of the Moon Festival?” he added quietly, his face going serious.

“I won’t be here long. I’m just here for some supplies, and before you ask, I took a fall. But I’m fine,” she said, gesturing to her face. He frowned in response, but then nodded, his golden-red hair gleaming in the setting sun.

“And you didn’t come to us? Also, you smell,” he said, laughter in his eyes.

Lena grimaced.