A Healer's Journey

[Salah's POV – The Ruined Village]

The village was in ruins, the buildings burned and the ground littered with debris. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and blood, and the cries of the wounded echoed through the clearing. The villagers were huddled together, their faces filled with fear and despair.

Lady Asura: grimly "We're too late. The orcs have already attacked."

I moved among the villagers, my hands glowing with golden light as I healed their injuries and restored their strength. The young girl looked up at me, her eyes filled with tears.

Young Girl: softly "Please… help my brother. He's hurt worse than me."

I followed her gaze to a young boy lying on the ground, his body broken and his breathing shallow. I knelt beside him, my hands glowing as I cast a healing spell. But as the golden light enveloped him, I realized that his injuries were too severe. My magic could heal his body, but it couldn't save his life.

Salah: softly "I'm sorry… I can't save him."

The young girl's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling.

Young Girl: "Please… there must be something you can do."

I hesitated, my mind racing. There was one spell I could try—a forbidden spell that could bring the boy back to life, but at a great cost. The spell would drain my life force, weakening me and potentially putting the entire mission at risk.

Before I could make a decision, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

Kael: coldly "Don't waste your energy, healer. Some lives aren't worth saving."

I turned to see Kael standing at the edge of the clearing, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. The villagers recoiled at his presence, their fear palpable.

Lady Asura: sharply "What are you doing here?"

Kael: smirking "I could ask you the same question. This village is beyond saving. You're only delaying the inevitable."

I stood, my voice filled with anger.

Salah: "Every life is worth saving. If you're not here to help, then leave."

Kael's smirk faded, replaced by a look of genuine surprise.

Kael: softly "You really believe that, don't you?"

I nodded, my resolve unwavering.

Salah: "I do. And I won't let anyone tell me otherwise."

Kael studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he sighed, his tone softer than before.

Kael: "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

He turned and disappeared into the shadows once more, leaving me to tend to the villagers. As I worked, I couldn't shake the feeling that Kael's words held a deeper meaning—one that I would need to uncover if I wanted to truly understand him.