Chapter 38: Alkan - Fated to the Night King

I watched her walk between beds, kneeling beside those who were strong enough to talk, sitting beside those who were still too exhausted to hold their heads to drink. Gus and Danvers were familiar faces to those recovering here. But there was no doubt that those emerging from the fog of illness recognized the woman moving among them.

“The change in her is easily noticed,” murmured Danvers, and I could already see him mentally making notes as he watched her move. He was right. Every step, every gesture, even the way she held herself as she stood - they were all more fluid compared to when she’d first arrived. Like she didn’t have to hold herself tight anymore. Didn’t have to brace for the next shot of pain.

“She gutted Valmont.” I leaned against the wall, watching the woman Fate had delivered to me when I least believed it could happen, proud of her heart. Of the way she easily spoke to those who looked to her for inspiration. She was the first to survive. And she was thriving. I darted a quick glance to see him wide-eyed in surprise. I forced myself not to smile in pride. “He deserved it. Laid his hands on her. She was coming to look for you, I think. Left the kitchens without an escort. He grabbed her, she defended herself.”

The healer gave me a challenging look. “Should I plan to assist in healing him?”

“No.” It was an easy answer for me to give. “He’s had his chances. This time, though, he crossed a line. A Source is sacred among our people, as you know. They are not to be harmed.”

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“Especially a Source serving the Regent.”

I nodded. “He knew what the consequence would be if he was found out. His healing abilities are greatly lessened as he hasn’t been granted a Covenant and must rely on anonymous donors only. He won’t last long in the garden.”

Shadows rippled over my friend’s face. “It goes against my nature to allow someone injured to go without treatment. But in this case, I feel it’s the best course. He’s been working to undermine all you’ve done here since the beginning. It had to come to a head at some time. I just didn’t expect her to be the one to do it.”

“She didn’t either.” I nodded toward where Sena was working her way around the room. Fate had worked in mysterious ways and brought her to me at exactly the moment we needed her most. “While she’s occupied, I think I owe you a donation of my own.”

Danvers heaved a sigh, then motioned me toward the darkest corner, where a screen was set up. “Let’s get this over with then.”