Secrets of a Hybrid

Silas POV

Hours go by as we continue treating the red-headed woman. The woman has been cleaned, and stitched, and bones set back into place. Her temperature has returned to a normal level, and Myrra dressed the woman in some spare clothes. The last thing needed was for me to heal the woman with my magic as much as possible.

“Mr. Silas, we leave her in your hands,” Myrra said, as she carried a sleeping June in her arms. “Your orc friend will bring you some supper in a bit.”

Suddenly, I was left alone with the red-haired woman. Her breathing was steady, which was a relief. The yellow glow of my healing magic had begun to engulf her. We nearly lost this woman a few times. Now, I had a clear picture of the red-headed woman. Her hair was braided to the side revealing her sprinkle of freckles on her cheeks and small scars on her face. Her face was swollen and bruised from whatever life-threatening battle she won. I know this woman faced the dragon head-on and lived, which made her all the more mysterious.

Could she have been the book thief that the librarian battled? The woman can shift between a wolf and human form, so she might be a beast woman. Honestly, I do not know a creature like this in existence. How does she have magic like this? A wolf beast has terrain magic if anything, and there aren’t many wolf beasts around anymore. This woman was intriguing and may be worth studying. Oddly, I almost feel drawn to the woman. Her secrets are tantalizing to a researcher like myself.

“She’s got a tight grip on your tunic, huh, Silas?” Braxton’s voice stirred me from thoughts.

I looked down at the hand clutching my tunic. She hadn’t let go once since I put her down on the mat hours ago. June had stitched her up with no pain meds, however, the woman didn’t let go. She stayed unconscious for the whole treatment. Even now, she was still out of it. “She’s unflinching and unconscious,” I answered looking up at my friend.

Braxton looks exhausted. His mana must be dangerously low at this point since he had been healing Emera all this time. “I brought you some stew. I know you haven’t eaten in almost two days.”

Braxton hands me a bowl, so I stop healing the woman for a minute. He settles next to me on the ground beside the mat. We silently sit eating the hot stew. It’s full of meat and vegetables, unlike most campfire stews. Camping with a guildmaster affords more comfort than I am used to. Myrra had big tents, a good stash of medical supplies, and plenty of food. Master Renaldy didn’t provide anything like this although it’s still less than a royal caravan.

“Silas, do we need to go back to the wizard’s guild?” Braxton questioned.

Braxton’s abrupt question ended the relaxing silence. Did we need to go back? Hours ago, I thought we should have left them already, but a woman is clutching my tunic for dear life at the moment. Looking at Braxton, his eyes are begging to stay. “I am not sure we can leave.”

Braxton blinked at me, stunned. “I need more than that.”

“Brax, you are silently begging to stay here. This woman has a death grip on me, and I have more questions that need answers from these people.”

His tired face lit up at my answer. “That’s a relief.”

My biggest fear may have just come true. Braxton was far too happy that I agreed to stay. “Tell me, Braxton. How attached are you to Emera?” His cheeks went red at my words. “Are you blushing?”

Braxton turned away from me. “I…man, Silas, it’s hard to explain. I feel this overwhelming need to protect her. It’s a little more than a crush, but I am not in love after just a few days. That would be crazy, but I don’t want to say goodbye.”

He is attached… This just got more complicated. “Okay, we won’t say goodbye yet.”