ALL - Book 1

𝟏𝟔 - Stolen Bounty

♒︎ Azara ♒︎
In a state of disarray, my clothes torn and stained with blood, a testament to the fierce battle I had endured. My horse, leaving me stranded amidst this wild chase. A bandage, hastily wrapped around my shoulder, struggles to contain the searing pain inflicted by the fierce bite of the very bounty I am determined to capture. Now, returning home to pay a visit to my soon-to-be infuriated elder sister can be quite an unconventional approach, but hey, it's one way to make an entrance! As the clock struck four in the afternoon, I finally arrived at the quaint town of Silva. With a sense of anticipation, found myself standing on the front porch of Velia's shop. Exhaling calmly, grasping the door handle and letting myself inside. The gentle jingle of the bell fills rings in my ears, announcing my arrival to my sister and Calix. However, instead of finding both of them there, only Velia stood before me, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

Chuckling weakly, with a minor wince when speaking to her. "Hey V, how's it going...?"

"Zar, what the hell happened to you? Y-you're a wreck and all bloody!" With a sudden burst of urgency, she dashes towards me, clutching my upper arms. Her piercing gaze meticulously surveys every crevice of my battered and crimson-tinted body. "Come and don't argue with me." With a stern expression, she firmly voices her demands. Letting out a reluctant groan, but begrudgingly complies with her demands as we both venture into the secluded back room of her shop. "Now sit, and I'll get some clean water and rags to clean your wounds. So remove your shirt while I do that."

Taking a seat on one of the chairs placed around the table positioned at the center of the room, observing Velia's every move. She swiftly moves around the space, collecting fresh rags and a basin filled with water. Peeling off my torn and stained shirt, a wave of pain shoots through my body. Each movement felt like hot needles piercing my skin. Winces, trying to steady my trembling hands as I exposed the tattered bandages wrapped tightly around my injured shoulder. Placing the basin gently on the table, Velia settles down on the chair beside me. A heavy sigh leaves her as her eyes fell upon my clumsily bandaged shoulder. Easily picking up her disappointment, her disheartenment at having to witness me in such a condition. No words were needed to convey her worries or thoughts on the matter. The expression she wore spoke volumes, revealing her innermost concerns.

Inhaling deeply, as Velia centers her attention on the task before her. With utmost care, she begins untangling the edges of the bandages, her face contorting with sympathy as they stubbornly clung to my injured flesh. The pain surges through me, growing more intense with each layer being unraveled, exposing the raw and jagged wound beneath, but continues on her delicate work. My muscles tenses and breath hitches. Her hands moves with precision and expertise, never faltering in her task despite my obvious discomfort. Her brows furrowing in concentration, a mix of concern and determination expressed on her face. She occasionally glances up from her work, her eyes filled with sadness but also disappointment, silently acknowledging the pain she was causing.

As the last of the bandages came free, I release a shaky breath, finally feeling relief. Velia carefully examines the bite wound, her touch gentle yet purposeful. She assessed its depth and the surrounding tissue, her knowledge and experience evident in her every movement. She cleans the area meticulously, removing any debris or lingering traces of infection. But I'm just in awe at her determination because it reminded me of our mother. Sighing inwardly, shaking away the thought. A sudden sharp stinging sensation helps me snap out of it, causing me to grit my teeth and squeeze my eyes shut.

"Almost done," Velia murmurs, her voice a soothing to my ears when hearing the compassion lacing her words, a testament to her dedication as a healer. She reaches for a fresh set of bandages, preparing to wrap my wound once again. As she began the process of securing the new bandages, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude washing over me. I had never really thought or done enough to thank her for her patience and kindness towards me throughout the years.