Ch. 146..150: Alpha King’s Lost Luna Chapter 146-150

Chapter 146 A little offended BECKY Alpha Rayden seemed to pick up on my disillusion immediately and set his own fork down. He leaned forward and gave me an apologetic look. “I know you’re worried,” he acknowledged, and he exhaled deeply. “I don’t blame you. I didn’t properly warn you about the state of things. I should have said more to put it in perspective. The situation in the clinic is dire, to say the least.” “It is,” I agreed without missing a beat. “Alpha Rayden, why haven’t you informed the Alpha King and requested more healers? Jasper told me the ones he sent here from Anemond left.” “I’ve been contemplating the right way to go about it,” he replied in a genuine tone. “I was planning on informing the Alpha King of the state of things when I go to visit Anemond next week. The situation wasn’t as severe last week, but over the past few days, it’s rapidly worsened. The number of patients increased significantly this week, and I’m not sure of the cause.” While I was still so shocked by everything, I could tell from the newly-appointed Alpha’s words that he was at a complete loss. This wasn’t his fault and I knew he was hurting on behalf of his people. “It’s a complex disease,” I agreed with a small nod. “I can tell from my research. Can I ask you, Alpha Rayden, when did the disease initially appear here in Wild Crawler? And who was the first patient who contracted it?” Jasper cleared his throat. “Alpha Rayden was in the midst of his military service ven it had first started and returned when it had already begun spreading. But I can offer my insight. We couldn’t identify the first patient bese many patients had arrived at the clinic within a few days of the outbreak. It had occurred around the start of spring as the weather was warming, but the exact date is unknown. No one in the area has experience dealing with an epidemic, Miss Becky. We’re very new to this.” 1/4 “I understand,” I assured him. There was definitely a challenge in attempting to gather information from vague details provided by ailing patients. I could ask them more questions now, but if I wanted to learn

more about the disease, I needed to do some hands-on research and examine the ailing patients. “Thank you for giving me some information. I appreciate it.” “Of course,” Alpha Rayden replied.

Despite the looming threat of the situation in the clinic, the rest of the lunch. was pl I had expected dining with the Alpha of the Pack to be more formal, but the atmosphere was relaxed. It was surprising to me that Jasper, a guard, and I, a stranger, were allowed to be seated at the same table as the leader of the Pack, but Rayden explained without prompting that the kitchen always prepared extra food and Jasper needed to eat just as much as anyone else. I appreciated the casual and free atmosphere. Anemond was too formal for anything like this. A commoner sharing a meal with the upper class or the Alpha at the same table was unthinkable, The people of the capital always considered themselves the elite of Wegalla, but Wild Crawler seemed like a much more hospitable and genuine place. After we finished eating, Jasper accompanied me back to the clinic. “I wish I could stay with you, Miss Becky, but unfortunately, I have some other tasks to attend to in the afternoon,” he said as we approached the front door. “It’s alright,” I replied with a smile. “I understand. I don’t expect you to drop everything to help me. I can handle things from here, Jasper. I’m going to spend the afternoon getting better acquainted with the clinic and maybe start examining patients so I know what I’m going to be dealing with.” “Well, you won’t be going through it alone,” Jasper assured me, “I’ll have a se rvant come and help you in the afternoon.” “That would be great,” I said. We stopped in front of the door, and Jasper reached into the pocket of his 214 jacket and retrieved something wrapped in plastic. “Here,” he said as he handed it to me. “This is for you. A mask. So you don’t have to breathe things in

longer than necessary. As I said, we don’t know if the disease is airborne, but this should at least help minimize the smell. I know it can get pretty cloying in there. This should reduce headaches and lessen your exposure to the germs.” “Thank you, Jasper,” I said, and I accepted the mask gratefully. “This is really helpful. I appreciate it.” “Of course,” the guard replied. “I’ll see you later, alright?” After I nodded, Jasper turned around and headed back to the Pack House. I lingered outside of the clinic for a moment and gathered my thoughts. This was going to be a troubling visit, but I needed to stay strong. So, I unwrapped the mask, placed it over my nose and mouth, and then headed inside. Dic kson was hard at work assessing patients in the corridor. He briefly glanced at me as I approached but didn’t utter a word. I was a little offended at the way he was treating me, but at the same time, I could tell from the dark circles under his eyes and the silver hairs on the sides of his head that he was stressed. I understood Jasper’s comments better. The guard was right. It was clear that Dic kson was a dedicated healer, which was why he had remained, but the dire situation at hand was taking a toll on him. Nonetheless, we would be working together in the coming days, so I needed to find a way to get along with him. I lingered for a moment and then cleared my throat. Becky. “I’m sorry about the rushed introduction earlier,” I managed. “My name I’m from Anemond. I’m studying to be a royal healer and conducting research about the disease to take back to the capital. We’re trying to work toward a cure. I’m not 3/4 here to step on your toes or get in your space. I just want to help.” Dic kson simply nodded, and I was disappointed when he didn’t say anything more. It was clear that despite my best efforts to be kind, he was going to maintain his unfriendly demeanor from our initial

encounter. I fought back my irritation. I couldn’t hold it against him no matter how much I wanted to. We were here to do a job, not become best friends. If he wanted to keep things professional, I couldn’t fight it.. I was about to turn away when Dic kson finally rose from his stool and turned to face me. His eyes fell to my mask and he practically scoffed at the sight. Then, without another word, he walked away and stepped into the room closest to us. When he returned a couple of minutes later, he had a large stack of documents in his hands. He walked up to me and held the stack out. “These contain the records of all of the patients, along with the details of their symptoms,” he said. I accepted the papers and waited for him to say more, but clearly, that was all he had to say. So, I just nodded. “Thank you,” I said. “I’ll start looking through them right away.”

Chapter 147 She had made a promise CAS SANDRA As I waited in Asher’s study for him to return, I paced the room and pondered what Spi ke had said. The imposter’s words swirled around my mind like a storm, and I felt baffled by all of this. If the two diseases or chronic poisons were in fact, different, then how had Asher been infected? How had the Alpha King contracted a disease that was so similar yet so different from the one I’d been treating in Wild Crawler? Was he poisoned? And if so, who could have done it? Just a day ago, I thought we had finally found a small shred of hope in this nightmare of a situation. But if what Asher suffered from was different than the patients in Wild Cralwer, did that mean I couldn’t cure him even if Becky or Spi ke found a cure? couldn’t bear the thought of losing Asher, not now, not ever. my heated cheeks, I As tears began to well up and threatened to spill onto closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. I forced any and all thoughts to leave my mind as I centered myself, and soon, I was able to calm down. Suddenly, just as I was about to open them, a warm hand covered my eyes. “Guess who?” Asher’s voice playfully tickled my ears. I tried to fight my smile, but it was impossible. “Hmm…” I feigned ignorance. “I have no clue. Who is there?” Asher chuckled. “You’ve never been a good liar.” 1/5 His arms wrapped around me and hugged me tightly from behind. This had always been his favorite playful gesture when we were young. But today, in the midst of all of these discoveries and realizations,

I couldn’t help but feel a little sorrowful. I forced myself to push through it and remain calm. I shoved my emotions to + side.

Asher released his hold around me. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” he apologized as he walked over to his favorite leather sofa and took a seat. “Have you been here long?” I shook my head. “Not too long. It’s okay.” “Good,” he remarked, and then he patted the cu shion beside him. “Come sit with me.” I nodded and then happily joined him on the sofa. We sat there for a moment, so close that I could feel the warmth that radiated from his body. At the very least, it was good that he wasn’t yet cold. Had he been freezing, I would have been much more worried. He seemed to be in good spirits despite the dark circles that underscored his beautiful gray eyes. “I spoke with Spi ke today,” I decided to share. “Oh?” he asked in surprise. “And how was that? Has he made any new discoveries?” “Sort of,” I admitted. “He… he noticed that the blood samples weren’t from the same person. He recognized that the blood was yours.” The Alpha King was taken aback and his lips parted in surprise. “Oh,” he said quietly. “He also…” I trailed off, and I fought to gather myself. “He thinks that your illness is different from the one I was dealing with in Wild Crawler.” 2/5 Asher’s dark eyebrows shot up and his normally tanned face paled. As he stared at me in shock, my heart beat rapidly in my chest and I felt as if I were going to cry again. I hadn’t wanted to tell him. In a perfect world, I would have withheld this information until I knew what it meant for sure. I did this all the time with patients Sometimes, remaining quiet until all of the facts were

in place was better. It kep patients from getting prematurely upset. But Asher Collins wasn’t just another patient. He was the love of my life, and he was incredibly sick. Even if I wanted to lie to preserve his feelings, I couldn’t do it. He meant too much to me, and I’d spent too much time lying to him. Just as I was about to speak, Asher reached over and gently ran his hands through my hair. “I now understand why you didn’t seem too happy when I walked in,” he said softly as he stroked my hair. I leaned into his touch and then forced myself to put on a cheerful facade. “I made you a promise, Asher,” I assured him quietly. “I’m going to find a way to cure you.” Asher smiled back and nodded. “I know. I trust you, Cas sandra. More than anyone else.” We sat there for a little bit, and once his hand dropped back down into his lap, I cleared my throat and oriented my body toward him. “Asher, when did you first notice the symptoms of the disease?” I wondered. He considered the question for a moment. “I can’t pinpoint the exact time,” he admitted. “But it started not long before my visit to Wild Crawler.” 3/5 “Had you taken anything suspicious during that period?” I inquired, but he shook his head. “Nothing out of the ordinary,” he said. I nodded as his words sank in. It would have been easier if he’d known, but there was nothing I could do about that now. We sat in silence for a little while and then I smiled at him. “Would you like to visit Finnick today?” I shifted the subject. Finnick had been feeling quite bored lately. Despite his dislike for Prince Marco, he missed the times

when he wasn’t so alone. We were so overwhelmed at the clinic that Erika and Hannah had started helping with patient care, leaving Finnick with more free time on his own. Though he was an independent boy, he was still at child and yearned for some fun. Asher nodded, and without hesitation, we got up from the couch and made our way to the clinic. The walk was silent, but I could tell Asher was pleased. Once we got there, I led Asher upstairs and down the hall until we reached Finnick’s room. I knocked on his door. “Finnick,” I called out. “Finnick, I brought a guest to keep you company.” The door opened at once, and Finnick’s eyes were wide with excitement as he greeted me, but when he spotted the Alpha King, his smile waned and he looked disappointed. Though he didn’t say anything, his expression conveyed his feelings. “Hello, Your Majesty,” he greeted Asher politely. I shot the Alpha King an apologetic look, but he didn’t seem to mind. 4/5 We stepped into Finnick’s room and sat down with him on the soft rug in the. center of his room. We sat in silence for a moment until Asher reached behind him and grabbed the small backpack he’d grabbed before we left his study. “I have something I wanted to show you,” Asher said, and he reached into the backpack and pulled out a box. He handed it to Finnick. “Do you know what this is? Finnick carefully opened the box and then widened his gray eyes. “It’s a chess set,” he noted in awe. “Dominic showed me a set in his brother’s room in Wild Crawler. He said it was a challenging game.” “It is,” Asher said with a small nod, and then he smiled. “But I can teach you how. to play if you’re interested.” Finnick’s expression brightened and he nodded. “Yes, please!” he said. “I want to learn.”

Chapter 148 Chess teacher CAS SANDRA Asher proved to be a patient teacher, and Finnick was an eager student. I sat back and observed their game with interest from the sofa about ten feet away with an impressed smile on my face. Initially reserved, Finnick soon began asking questions and showing more. interest in the game. His furrowed brow unfurled as time went on, and his adorably serious expression shifted to one of intrigue. As the game went on, it was clear that the Alpha King and my son were getting along quite well. Asher was far more gentle and understanding than I’d expected him to be, and my heart warmed at the sight of him spending so much time with Finnick. I’d never imagined this day would come, and I was relieved to have a moment of happiness amidst the tense atmosphere of late. They took a break when Erika entered the playroom with some tea. As Asher, Finnick, and I sat down at the table by the window, I ran my hands through Finnick’s thick dark brown hair. “Did you find the chess game interesting, honey?” I asked him gently. Finnick smiled at me and nodded. “I want to play chess with you, Mommy. Do you know how to play?” When I nodded, Finnick lit up and raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Really?” “Yes,” I confirmed, and then my cheeks heated up a bit. “Actually, I must admit that I’m a pretty skilled player. My father taught me how to play when I was very young. The Alpha King’s father did as well.” “Wow,” Finnick breathed, and then his head tilted to the side slightly at the revelation. “Mommy, why didn’t I know you could play chess? And why hadn’t you O 1/4

taught me before? We could have played together.” “I didn’t know you were interested, honey,” I explained with a shrug. “If I’d known that you were, I would

have shown you much earlier.” Finnick nodded as he considered my words, and then his smile grew wide. “So, Mommy, can you show me more?” he wondered. “I want to learn. everything I can, and if you’re a skilled player, maybe I could be one someday too!” Before I could respond, Asher cleared his throat. “You know, Finnick, I could come by every day and teach you if you want,” he offered generously. “Your mother might be too busy with the clinic to do much, but I can make time to come by and play. I think you have a lot of potential as a student.” Finnick and I glanced at each other, clearly surprised by Asher’s offer. Surely, as the Alpha King, his schedule had to be far more busy than mine. Was it a good ideal for him to set such time aside for a child that wasn’t Prince Marco? I was about to object to the idea when Asher spoke again. “No pressure, of course,” he assured Finnick in a gentle tone. “I just think it could be fun for us.” It was clear that the Alpha King wanted to build a closer relationship with his son. While I knew the idea was a little dangerous, I didn’t object further. His intentions were good, and if Finnick wanted him as a playmate, I would accept the idea. Finnick was so lonely here in the clinic while I was working. He deserved some fun. Finnick glanced at me, and when I nodded in approval, he extended his hand to Asher. “Sounds like a deal to me!” he noted excitedly. Asher laughed and shook his hand, and as they laughed, my heart throbbed in my chest. This moment was so special, and I was grateful that the two of them were getting along. They were the two most important men in my life. Seeing them together was doing so much for my 2/4 me ntal health, which had been in shambles for far too long.

Once we finished the lovely peach green tea and ate some scones Hannah had. made, Asher and Finnick sat down to play for a bit longer. I studied a book as they resumed their game, but peeked over the heavy volume every once in a while to check their progress. Finnick was catching on fast. I was very proud of his progr and knew that he would likely become a very good player one day. Chess had been a passion of mine in my younger years, and as I watched Finnick play against the Alpha King, I remembered how competitive Asher and I used to get when we were children. Asher was always so determined to defeat me, but his confidence did him no good. I was too skilled of a player and always managed to come out the victor. After a little while, Asher glanced at the clock on the wall and let out a small sigh. “I wish I could continue playing all night,” he lamented with a frown. “But unfortunately, I have to be leaving. Thank you so much for playing with me, Finnick.” “Thank you,” Finnick replied politely, and his cheeks flushed pink with bashfulness. “I had a lot of fun.” “Me too,” Asher agreed. He rose to his feet and I set my book aside. “I’ll walk you out,” I said. Finnick and Asher said their goodbyes, and then I led Asher down the stairs and out of the clinic. By the time we reached the front door, I was surprised to see that the sky had darkened significantly and guards were waiting nearby. Asher lingered for a moment. “I had a good time with Finnick,” he said with a genuine smile. “I look forward to playing future games with him.” 3/4 I nodded. “He’d like that a lot.” As we stared at one another in silence, I understood that Asher wanted nothing more than to tell Finnick the truth and share his true identity. His gray eyes were filled with longing, and I wanted nothing more than for that to happen. After a brief second of quiet, I spoke again.

“I’ll find an appropriate time to reveal the truth to him,” I assured him softly. “I know,” Asher replied. “Trust me, Cas sandra, I have no intention of pressuring you. It’s a difficult situation and I want you to take your time with it. In the meantime, I just… I want to spend more time with Finnick. Get to know him better.” “Quality time is a great idea,” I said as Asher pulled me into an embrace. We hugged for a bit and then Asher lifted my chin up and placed his lips against mine. We began toss, and I didn’t want to let go, but I gently pushed him before things got too passionate. “We’re at the clinic’s door,” I reminded him. “Someone could see us.” away Asher chuckled and then kissed me once more. When he pulled away, he winked. “Have a good evening, Cas sandra,” he said, and without another word, he left. I watched him depart for a second, and just as I was about to reenter the clinic, I noticed a pair of figures beyond me on the street. I squinted. The light was low, but after a moment, my vision focused and my heart dropped. It was Adalyn and Marco. I wasn’t sure how long they’d been there, but from Ada yn’s scowl, it was clear they had witnessed the moment between Asher and me. C

Chapter 149 She seems idealistic BECKY As I glanced over the large stack of patient records that Dic kson had handed me, my eyebrows shot up in surprise. The records were more detailed than I’d expected, and I knew they would be of great help to my research. I scanned through them and sighed. I certainly had my work cut out for me, but I was excited to get somewhere with it all. The sooner I found answers, the sooner could go back to Anemond. But as I glanced over and watched Dic kson take a long, deep breath before heading over to treat yet another patient, I knew I had a moral obligation to help him out. Healers wouldn’t let others struggle, no matter how rude or off-putting they Dwere. So, I set the records down in the first room down the hallway, and once returned from stashing them away, I approached Dic kson and the woman he was currently taking a look at. “How can I help?” I asked. The healer seemed taken aback by my offer, and his eyebrows crinkled as he turned to look at me.. “Aren’t you here solely for an investigation?” he wondered as he stared at me in confusion. “I gave you the records You should be able to begin your work.” “Sure, but you look like you could use a hand,” I replied as if my answer was vious. But Dic kson still didn’t look convinced. “I can handle this,” he insisted, but I shook my head. 1/5 “I’m sure you can,” I said gently. “On a normal day. But I can see it in your eyes. It’s been a long day.”

Dic k son’s blue eyes blinked in surprise as he studied me. “I guess I just thought you would grab the records and leave,” he admitted quietly. “I figured you were

some kind of detective or something and once you were set on your mission… I don’t know, you’d forget all about Wild Crawler.” I shook my head and smiled at him. “I’m not that sort of person. Sure, I’m trying to do some investigative work to bring back to Anemond, but I’m a healer first and foremost. I won’t stand by when patients are clearly suffering. If we work together, we should be able to do some good around here.” “You seem idealistic,” Dic kson remarked. “I wish I could be that positive.” “I don’t disagree,” I admitted, and then I smirked. “But you too, must have at least some idealism as you’ve chosen to stay here in Wild Crawler rather than return to the safety of the capital.” “The salary doesn’t hurt either,” he chuckled as he pushed his glasses further up his freckled nose. “The Alpha King promised a pretty high amount, you know. It’s basically a bribe.” I smirked. “Well, either way. I’m here to help. Jasper said he’d send a se rvant over later, but until then, I’m at your disposal. Just tell me how I can assist.” Dic kson considered the offer for a moment and then gave me a genuine, though tired smile. “Okay.” I nodded. I couldn’t help but feel for him. This was a stressful situation all around and I could only imagine how awful he had to feel after so long with little sleep. We got to work right away. I helped Dic kson set up a ventilator for an ailing young woman, and once she was set, we walked over and set up an IV for an older gentleman in the cot next to her. 2/5 As we adjusted the medical devices, Dic kson glanced over at me. “Thank you, Becky. I appreciate the help.” “Of course,” I replied. “It’s no trouble at all.” “Still,” he said. “Every bit helps. I’m sorry about my attitude earlier. I had wrongly assumed that you would be like the other healers who made brief visits here and then left without actually helping with patient care. It’s been a frustrating past few weeks. I’m at my wit’s end.” “I’m sure,” I said. “I’m sorry you’ve had to shoulder that burden. I know my visit is at an inopportune time. But I appreciate you helping me with the patient records, and I’ll do anything I can to assist while

I’m here.” Dic kson smiled. Though he was a little rough around the edges, I could. understand that he at least had a sense of humor, and likely a good heart buried deep down. We spent the afternoon working together and taking care of the ailing patients of Wild Crawler. Just as Jasper had promised, a few serv ants arrived later in the day and helped out with cleaning and other tasks that helped lighten our workload. Once our patient checks were completed, we found a moment to rest in the office room where I’d stashed away my backpack and medical kit. Dic kson stared at my belongings in confusion. “What’s all that?” he wondered. “Oh, those are mine,” I explained. “Just some research and other supplies I brought with me from Anemond.” “I see,” Dic kson noted, but he still appeared confused. “I’m planning to stay here in the clinic to conduct my research,” I explained. “It might be better for you to take the documents with you and return here tomorrow,” he suggested gently, and he walked over to the counter and poured me 3/5 a glass of water from a pitcher. I accepted it gratefully, and after I took a long, satisfying drink, I shook my head. “I think I would prefer to stay here,” I said. “I want to learn more about the patients and the source of the infection. Lugging all of the information back and forth would be inconvenient, and besides, I work best at night. Having access to all of the medical equipment and such would be better for me.” Dic kson hesitated for a moment and then removed his glasses. “We don’t have any available rooms,” he said cautiously. “So you’d have to sleep here in the office.” “That’s perfectly fine by me,” I insisted. “I can sleep on the couch with no complaints. I’m used to doing that in the clinic in Anemond. It’ll be no trouble at all.”

Dic kson studied me for a moment and then smirked. “I do my best work late too,” he agreed. “I usually stay in the clinic overnight if there aren’t any experienced ser vants to help out. I’m sure we could work something out. I might actually be able to get some sleep if there’s someone else to take overnight shifts.” “I would be more than willing to do so,” I insisted. Dic kson nodded and then put his glasses back on. “You’ve got a deal,” he said. I smiled. “Excellent.” After a moment’s silence, Dic kson removed his lab coat and hung it on a rack in the corner of the office. “Why don’t we go get some dinner?” he suggested. “There’s a good restaurant at the end of the street that stays open late.” I considered the idea for a moment. I supposed I’d be expected back at the 4/5 Pack House, but getting to know Dic kson better sounded like a better idea. were going to be spending some long hours together in the clinic. The least I could do was join him for a meal. “Sounds great,” I agreed. I removed my own lab coat and after I hung it up on the rack, I followed Dic kson to the front of the clinic. “Will you please tell Alpha Rayden that I won’t be having dinner at the Pack House?” I asked one of the serv ants. “Of course, Miss Becky,” she replied politely I smiled at her, and after Dic kson and I shared a nod, we left the clinic to go get dinner.

Chapter 150 Curse of the mountain BECKY With how small Wild Crawler was in comparison to Anemond, I didn’t expect much in the way of entertainment and dining. But when Dic kson and I arrived at the restaurant just down the street from the clinic, I had to fight to keep my jaw from dropping. It was a cozy little place with a large deck extending off of the building. String lights hung from dark wood beams and lit the entire place like stars. With the gorgeous, fragrant forest lands in the background, the atmosphere was immaculate, and I found myself in awe. this smaller Anemond had its highlights and its charm, but it had nothing on this Pack on the borderlands. “Wow” uttered. If only Mother could see how beautiful this place was. Like me, she’d never left the capital city, and I often wondered what things would have been like if we’d ventured farther into Wegalla. Dic kson smiled when he noticed my expression. “It’s my f my favorite place in Wild Crawler,” he noted with a gleam in his blue eyes. “Just wait until you try the food. It makes an extremely long shift at the clinic feel worth it.” A kind waitress with a beautiful smile escorted us to a table near the windows, giving us a good look at the gorgeous night surrounding us. She handed us a pair of menus, and I was surprised to see the sheer amount of delicious-sounding food. I struggled to make a choice. “The burger is amazing,” Dic kson suggested. “Then I’ll do that,” I decided. 0 1/5 The wait was far less than expected, and the waitress delivered our burgers. They came with a pile of

seasoned fries, and it was truly love at first bite. The food. was far more delicious than I expected, and I savored it slowly. Dic kson seemed to be doing the same thing. We ate in silence for a little while,

and then he cleared his throat. “So, Becky, I have to ask…why did you willingly come to Wild Crawler to conduct your research?” he wondered. “Most of the healers from Anemond turned on their heels when they got a good look at the circumstances. Why didn’t it bother. you?” “It bothered me a little,” I admitted after I dabbed at the corners of my mouth with a napkin. “But not in the way you’d think.” “Please explain,” he urged gently. “Well, I knew it was going to be a challenging thing to come here,” I said. “I didn’t know the full scope of it, though, and that’s what took me by surprise. Marley didn’t mention how bad things had gotten.” “I was worried about that,” Dic kson said quietly, and he let out an exhale. “But no matter how challenging this environment might be, I want to uncover the truth behind the disease to help Cas sandra,” I continued. “I admire her determination to find a cure and if I’m being honest, I have an innate interest in it as well. It’s fascinating from a purely scientific standpoint.” “Cas sandra Keller?” Dic kson asked in surprise. I nodded. “Yes. She runs the clinic in Anemond.” “I’ve heard plenty about her from Marley,” Dic kson confirmed. “And of course from the others here in Wild Crawler. I understand that she’s quite a capable healer. They miss her very much around here.” “She’s the most talented healer I know,” I said with a smile. “She’s got the biggest heart and a very keen mind.” 2/5 “She sounds wonderful,” he noted, and then he sipped at his drink. I studied him for a moment and then leaned forward. “Dic kson, what are the real reasons you stayed?” I wondered. “I know it isn’t just for the money,

despite what you were trying to convince me.” He smirked at first and then laughed lightly. “I know. I didn’t mean it as anything more than a joke. To be honest, Becky, our motivations are pretty well aligned. I can’t bear to see patients suffer without proper care. It’s inhumane. Besides, the enigmatic nature of the disease intrigues me.” I nodded and then began to eat again. As I grew closer to finishing my meal, I briefly contemplated whether or not to reveal to Dic kson that the disease may have some relation to poison, but ultimately decided against it. I remembered Cas sandra’s cautious approach when sharing information, and while Dic kson seemed trustworthy, I opted to keep things confidential for now. After our meal, Dic kson escorted me out of the restaurant. We lingered outside for a second, and then the healer glanced around. “I can accompany you back to the clinic,” he offered politely. “We were there. much later than I expected.” “I’ll be fine,” I assured him. “It isn’t too far away. Thank you, though, Dic kson. This was really nice.” “Of course,” he replied, and then he ran a hand through his reddish blonde hair. “I’ll at least walk you a little further down.” “Okay,” I agreed. We continued to walk into the night until we reached a crossroads. “I’ll see you in the morning,” Dic kson said as he stifled a yawn. “Hopefully I’ll be a little better rested. Are you sure you’re okay to be at the clinic alone?” “Yes,” I assured him again. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” O 3/5 We exchanged our goodbyes and then I continued my journey back to the clinic. Once I got back, I checked on a few patients before returning to the office to study the pile of medical records. I set up shop at the large desk in the corner and carefully arranged some papers around me. I studied

them for quite some time and took thorough notes in my journal. The records documented the disease’s progression and as I studied the data, I noted that it seemed to advance more rapidly in recently admitted patients. What did that mean? Were these new cases a new strain of the illness? I searched the pages for answers, but couldn’t uncover any additional clues. It would likely come to me in time. This was my first night here, after all. It would take hours of study to reach a conclusion. I left the office after a while and decided to visit some of the patients before resting. It was late in the night, but there were still many patients awake in their cots and beds. I approached a pair of women conversing in the corridor. My intention was to advise them to get some rest, but as I got closer, I noticed they were crying. “Is everything okay?” I asked as I walked up. One of the women appeared to be my mother’s age while the other was likely no older than me. As they spoke to me, they revealed that they were in fact, mother and daughter. They expressed regret for contracting the illness, believing they could have taken better care of themselves. “It’s not your fault,” I assured them both gently. “The source of the disease. ||| 4/5 hasn’t been identified and its transmission is still unclear.” “Still, I shouldn’t have visited the mountain,” the mother lamented as she rant her hands through her daughter’s long blonde hair affectionately. “That’s where the disease seems to have originated. I should have known better.” “The mountain?” I repeated back in surprise. “How do you know that’s where it came from?” The mother explained that she had friends who lived in the area and they told her all about it. One of her friends had also fallen ill, although not as severely, and she had visited that friend last week before

contracting the disease herself. “It’s the curse of the mountain,” she sighed. While I knew as a healer that this was more than just a curse, I found the mother’s account interesting. How was her friend so certain that the disease originated near the mountain when even the Alpha wasn’t aware of this? 5/5