All Chapters of The Healer and The Beast: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Deep in the heart of an ancient forest, where shadows never crossed and ordinary travelers feared to tread, stood a mansion that seemed to exist outside of time itself. Its black stone walls gleamed with an unnatural sheen, and its windows glowed with cold light that promised nothing good for those who might glimpse it from afar. In the highest tower of this cursed place, a woman stood silhouetted against the tall windows, gazing out into the endless night. The room around her spoke of wealth and power—silk tapestries covered the walls, precious metals gleamed from every surface, and the furniture was crafted with the kind of artistry that only royalty could afford. But there was something wrong with it all, something that made the luxury feel tainted and dangerous. The woman was a mystery wrapped in skin. Her dark brown hair cascaded down her back in waves that caught the moonlight like spilled wine, and her dress was cut from the finest silk in deep burgundy that hugged every curv

I woke to chaos.The sound of hurried footsteps filled the corridors outside my room, punctuated by sharp commands and the clatter of furniture being moved. Servants rushed past my window carrying linens, flowers, and ornate decorations I'd never seen before.Something was happening. Something big.I threw on a dress and stepped into the hallway, nearly colliding with a maid carrying an armload of silver candlesticks."Excuse me," I called after her, but she just bowed quickly and hurried away without meeting my eyes.The entire castle had transformed overnight. Tapestries hung from the walls, fresh flowers filled every alcove, and the air hummed with nervous energy. Whatever event they were preparing for, it was important enough to mobilize every servant in the castle.And no one had bothered to tell me about it.I made my way toward Kael's chambers, needing answers. But when I knocked on his door, silence greeted me."Kael?" I called, pushing the door open.The room was empty, his b

My head felt like lead as I lifted it from where it had been resting on the edge of the bed. Every muscle in my body ached, and there was a strange hollowness in my chest that made breathing difficult. Kael lay unconscious beside me, his face pale but peaceful. The worst of his wounds had closed, leaving only faint silver lines across his skin. But healing him had taken everything I had. "Sena." Thane's voice came from behind me, gentle but concerned. "That's enough. You need to rest." I shook my head, not trusting my voice. My hands were still glowing faintly as I worked to heal the deeper damage, the wounds that went beyond flesh and bone. "You're going to kill yourself," Thane said, moving closer. "You've been at this all night. Your magic is draining your life essence." "I'm fine." The words came out as a whisper. "You're not fine. Look at yourself." I caught my reflection in the mirror across the room and flinched. My face was gaunt, my eyes sunken with exhaustion. My hands

The next day We'd left Finn in his cell yesterday, all of us shaken by what we'd learned. The Forest Lady's obsession with Kael. Elena's coercion. The traitor among us."We need to talk," Kael said as we climbed the stairs to the study. "About security, about who we can trust—"A loud scream suddenly cut through the night like a blade.We all froze. The sound came from the courtyard—raw, terrified, full of pain."What was that?" I whispered.Another scream. Then another. And underneath it all, the clash of steel and the crackle of magic."We're under attack," Thane screamed, his hand already on his sword.Kael's eyes blazed silver. "Get Sena to safety. Now""No." I grabbed his arm. "We stay together.""Sena—""Together," I yelled firmly. "I'm not hiding while people die."A guard burst through the dungeon entrance, his face white with terror. "My lord!“We are under attack! They came from the forest! Dozens of them!""Who came?" Kael demanded, hurrying down the hallways."I don't kn

A bird arrived at dawn.I found it perched on my windowsill when I woke, a small scroll tied to its leg with familiar handwriting. My heart jumped as I recognized Lys's careful script.*How are you holding up? Things have been difficult lately. Meet me at the usual place when you can. Important.*I stared at the message, remembering our last conversation when I'd told him to send letters through birds if he ever had something important to tell me. It was safer that way—Kael couldn't find out about our meetings. Lys had been clear about that. Keep it secret, he'd said. Kael would kill him if he knew they were in contact.After everything that had happened—Finn's murder, the spy, the growing suspicion eating away at everyone in the castle—part of me craved the simplicity of seeing him again. Someone who wasn't connected to all this darkness.I waited until the castle was fully awake, using the morning bustle as cover. Guards were changing shifts, servants were preparing breakfast, and e