The Rejected Healer's Retribution

n world met the edges of the supernatural. Werewolves traded for silver and electronics there, while humans ignor

rk, wild hair seemed a little lighter, tightly braided with leather. I felt slightly less tall. The most important change, though, was my aura. The strong,

nough to Elara to feel personal but d

and rough place known for its discretion. The own

ptions," I said, handing over a pouch f

e judged the authority in my voice.

am here fo

nted, sliding a rusted

er of S

siness but establishing scarcity and legend. Mora taught m

e town's failing apothecaries and herbalists. I did

a strange, recurring fever that the Pack Healer dismissed as a common flu. They coul

inside. I inhaled the unique scent of his mate's illness-a

illed with herbs Mora collected-and pulle

d steady. "This is a mineral deficit unique to your valley. Brew these with

ical of the simple remedy. But the desperation

k-it was straightforward, effective h

returned, not with payment, but with two other worried wolves from diffe

uch you to know your ailment. She doesn't accept payment unti

less a name and more

e

t bait. I was building a reputation that was too good, too quick, a

day, the expe

tting in a gust of damp leaves and cold air. The man who entered was huge, dressed in fine leather, and radiated authority

room, dismissing everyo

ow over my tea. "I am Gamma Torvin. I

aze without flinching. He was a b

icited consultation is twenty gold marks

e Gamma of the Stonepeak Pack to talk to you?

not here for a simple fever, Gamma. You carry the stench of an ancient rot," I said, looking him

of fear. He detected the rot within his Pack, and I, a mer

h onto the table, the weight o

He is suffering from a condition that is turning the stro

signed by the Alpha himself, I thoug

are collapsing. Their Alpha is too proud to leave his territory, so we were sent as interme

Alpha's illness was serious enough to force his fi

back toward him, careful not

itations. Tell your clients that Elyra will not go to the Lunar Pack unless she recei

and an Alpha's seal was a bold act of

h his. "The price of my cure is