Chapter 5

I rushed to the emergency room. My father was lying on the operating table. Deep bite marks tore through his neck and arms, and the skin around the wounds was already rotting.

"What happened?" I grabbed Emma’s arm. "Why is my father like this?"

Emma’s face was bloodless. "Halen, it looks like he was attacked by a rogue while on border patrol tonight. By the time they found him, two hours had already passed."

Two hours. For rogue venom, two hours was a death sentence.

"He needs Silvermoon Flower." Emma gripped my hands tight. "It’s the only thing that can neutralize the venom. But the medical center is out of stock, and the nearest apothecary won't open until morning."

Silvermoon Flower! I had it!

"I have one!" I turned and bolted. "I’m going to get it right now!"

I burst out of the medical center and ran toward my rental as fast as my lungs would allow. The silver collar around my neck burned like a ring of fire with every jagged breath, but I didn't care about the pain.

I remembered my father when he was young—a strong warrior who would carry me on his shoulders to look at the stars.

"Look at the brightest one, Halen," he used to say. "That’s the Moon Goddess watching over us. As long as you keep a good heart, she’ll protect you."

After my mother passed, he raised me alone. He gave me the best food while he ate the cheapest pack rations. He saved every penny to put me through medical school just so I wouldn't have to struggle at the bottom of the pack like he did.

The day I became Head Healer, he cried. He told me I was the greatest pride of his life.

And what did I do? I neglected him again and again for Domine. How many nights did he sit alone in that tiny cabin waiting for me while I was out on dates? How many times did I make excuses for Domine because he was "too busy" to meet him? Last month, when he was sick, I promised to visit, but I stood him up because of one phone call from Domine.

I was a terrible daughter. Yet, he never blamed me.

"You have your own life, Halen," he’d say. "I don't mind."

I couldn't let him down again. I burst into the house, ran to the bedroom, and tore open the nightstand drawer.

Empty. The ornate box holding the Silvermoon Flower was gone.

I searched frantically—under the bed, in the closet, through every drawer. Nothing.

Domine. It had to be him. I dialed his number. It rang for an eternity before he finally picked up.

"Halen?" Domine sounded annoyed. "What is it? I’m looking after Ella."

"Domine, did you take the Silvermoon Flower?" I fought to keep my voice steady.

"Yeah, I took it," he said casually. "Why?"

"I need it." I took a shaky breath. "Domine, please. Give it back. It’s an emergency."

"Sorry, Halen. It’s already gone."

I froze. "What?"

"Ella was hurt today. You know about the wounds on her arm." Domine’s voice turned accusatory. "She said the only thing that could dull the pain was the scent of Silvermoon Flower. So, I turned all Silvermoon Flower I can find into incense. It’s burning in her room right now."

Hurt. Those were the scratches Ella gave herself. And Domine had turned a life-saving herb into incense for a few superficial marks.

"Domine, my father is dying," I said, my voice trembling. "I need that flower. Please, give me whatever is left."

The line went silent for a few seconds before Ella’s voice cut in. She had snatched the phone.

"Are you lying again, Halen?" Ella sounded indignant. "This is too much! You’re just mad that Domine gave the flower to me, so you made up some story about your father being sick? You’re actually using your own father just to get back at me?"

"I’m not lying—"

Domine took the phone back. "Halen, I’m disappointed. I know you have a grudge against Ella, but you shouldn't sink this low. You hurt her today; I had to make it up to her."

"It’s not a lie!" My tears finally broke. "Domine, my father is really dying! I need the flower!"

"If your father is sick, take him to the medical center," Domine snapped. "Stop calling us. Ella was injured and she needs her rest."

"Domine, listen to me—"

"Enough, Halen. Even if I had another flower, I’d give it to Ella. Her pain is because of you, and making her comfortable is more important than anything else."

He hung up. I sank to the floor, clutching my phone. He didn't believe me.

I forced myself up and ran back to the medical center.

If I didn't have the flower, I had to find another way.

I could use my blood.

Although a relative's blood cannot directly cure the toxin, it can temporarily suppress the Rogue venom.

As long as I can hold on until dawn when the apothecary opens, I will be able to buy Silvermoon Flower.

I burst into the emergency room.

"Emma! Use my blood! A relative's blood can temporarily suppress the venom!"

Emma froze. "Halen, you’re in bad shape. I’m worried you can't handle this—"

"It doesn't matter!" I interrupted her. "I can do it! Fast!"

"But Halen, you’ll die—"

"I’d rather die if it means my father gets to live." I grabbed her hand. "Emma, please."

She gritted her teeth and nodded. The healer hesitantly inserted the needle. Deep red blood flowed through the tube and into my father’s body.

One bag. Two bags. I watched his pale face and prayed. Dad, I’m sorry. Please don't die. Just hold on until morning.

Three bags. Four bags. My vision started to blur, and a loud buzzing filled my ears.

"Halen, stop! You’re going to die!" Emma tried to pull the needle.

"Keep going!" I hissed.

By the fifth bag, my body gave out. I collapsed onto the floor as the world went black. In the haze, I heard frantic footsteps and the panicked voices of the healers.

"The venom is spreading! Without Silvermoon Flower, our current medical treatments are completely useless."

I struggled to get up, but I didn't even have the strength to lift my hand.

"Halen..."

A weak voice sounded beside me. My father was awake. I turned my head with great effort and saw him looking at me. His eyes were dull and his lips were turning black, but he managed a small smile.

"Dad..." I choked out.

"Don't cry..." He squeezed my hand with the last of his strength. "Halen... Dad... doesn't blame you..."

"I’m so sorry," I sobbed. "It’s all my fault. If I hadn't met Domine... if I hadn't saved Ella... you wouldn't be..."

"No..." He shook his head. "You... did nothing wrong... Being kind... is a good thing..."

"But I can't even save you..."

"Halen..." His breath was growing shallower. "Listen... tonight... at the border... I saw Ella..."

My entire body went rigid.

"She was... with a rogue..." He gasped for air. "It wasn't... an attack... they were... talking..."

"What?"

"I saw her... give the rogue... something..." He coughed up a spray of black blood. "The rogue... saw me... and attacked... Ella... she ran..."

"Halen... watch out for her... she’s... dangerous..."

His hand went limp. The monitors let out a long, piercing shriek.

"We’re losing him! Resuscitate!"

The healers rushed in, performing chest compressions and injecting epinephrine. But it was useless.

"Time of death: 3:27 AM."

I knelt by the bed, holding his cold hand. His eyes were still open, looking at me—a father’s final act of protection.

"Dad..." My voice was a hollow wreck. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I couldn't save you."

"You were right. I shouldn't have saved her. I should never have known Domine."

"If I had just listened to you, you'd still be here."

I stayed there, draped over him, crying until I had nothing left. Finally, I stood up and wiped my face. I was done crying. I was done begging.

I was going to make Ella pay. I was going to make Domine realize just how monstrous his mistake was.

I gently reached out and closed my father’s eyes.

"Don't worry, Dad," I whispered. "I'll be careful. And I’ll make sure she pays for this. I promise."

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