Valeria felt drowsy but blissfully comfortable in her bed. She didn't know how long she had been asleep or how much time had passed since collapsing into its soft embrace, and frankly, she didn't care. After the chaos of the previous day, the warmth of her blankets and the stillness of the morning were luxuries she desperately needed.
What she hadn't considered, however, was how worried the villagers of Ever Green might be about her prolonged absence. That realization came crashing down, quite literally, when the door to her home was flung open with a loud bang.
*Valeria! Are you alright?* several frantic voices called out.
Startled, she jerked awake, only for the sudden movement to send her tumbling out of bed with an unceremonious thud, her face meeting the wooden floor in an instant.
*Ow…* she groaned, her voice muffled by the floorboards. Still half-asleep and disoriented, she waved a hand weakly in the air. *I'm fine… I'm fine… Stop shouting…*
But the cluster of concerned villagers was already crowding inside, their worried faces peering down at her.
After several minutes of hurried explanations, and a few well-placed half-truths about helping a severely injured traveller and being utterly drained from the ordeal, Valeria finally managed to calm the villagers down. A little exaggeration about her exhaustion and some reassurance that she was fine seemed to do the trick.
Still, the looks they gave her as they filed out of her home were filled with lingering concern. She could feel their eyes on her even as they reluctantly left her to herself.
At least another thirty minutes passed before she finally heard the last of them shuffle out, their voices fading into the distance. Valeria let out a long, quiet breath, sinking back onto her bed with a tired but relieved sigh.
She needed to start the day, but for now, she let herself rest just a little longer. The soft sound of birds chirping outside the window was comforting, a reminder that life in Ever Green continued, undisturbed by the chaos of the night before.
But as she lay there, staring at the ceiling, her mind wandered back to the girl, the vampire. Aria. The conversation, the promise of repayment… Valeria shook her head, still unable to shake the feeling that something had changed. She didn't know what it was yet, but she had the distinct sense that her life in Ever Green was no longer as simple as it had been before.
Finding herself unable to stay in bed any longer, Valeria forced herself to get up. The soft creaking of her joints as she stretched was a reminder of how exhausted she truly was, but the peaceful atmosphere of Ever Green was calling to her, urging her to start her day. She moved to her wardrobe, pulling on her signature clothes: a black pullover, worn but comfortable, with a white coat draped over her shoulders. The leather bag that held her herbs and tools hung from her waist, always by her side. It was her second skin, a symbol of her purpose in the village.
As she stepped outside, the cool morning air wrapped around her, refreshing and clear. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden hue over the quiet village. Valeria took a deep breath, appreciating the calm after the storm of the previous day. The sound of birds chirping and the rustle of trees in the gentle breeze felt like a balm to her soul.
She walked toward her little pharmacy, the small stone building tucked between a few homes, where she made all her potions, tinctures, and remedies. Along the way, she greeted everyone with a soft smile and a cheerful *Good morning.*
The villagers responded in kind, their warm smiles and kind words filling her heart with gratitude. She was deeply loved here, and in return, she gave as much as she could to keep the village healthy.
Some of the villagers, still concerned after the previous night's events, asked if she was feeling okay. She wasn't bothered by their questions. If anything, it only warmed her heart to know how much they cared for her. *I'm fine, thank you for asking,* she reassured them with a kind tone. *Just a bit tired, but nothing I can't handle.*
As she continued her walk, she could feel their eyes on her, some still filled with worry, others with curiosity. But Valeria didn't mind. She was used to the village's protective gaze. There was a sense of peace here that made everything feel right, even if she couldn't quite shake the unease that lingered in the back of her mind. The promise that vampire had made, the name Aria, it stayed with her, a thread pulling at her thoughts, no matter how hard she tried to push it away.
Soon, Valeria arrived at her humble second home, the pharmacy that had become her sanctuary. The scent of herbs and freshly brewed potions filled the air as she stepped inside. She wasted no time, immediately getting to work. Her hands moved swiftly, sorting through her stock of potions, grinding dried herbs with practiced precision, and carefully preparing new mixtures for future use. Occasionally, she experimented on the pigs she kept in a small pen behind the building, testing her concoctions to ensure they were safe for her patients. Her attention to detail was unwavering after all, the last thing she wanted was to accidentally harm someone with her own medicine.
As she worked, the door creaked open, signaling the arrival of her first customer. If you could even call him that, Valeria thought with a small, fond smile. The villagers, no matter who they were, never had to pay her for her services. She had never charged a single coin in her entire career as a healer. Instead, they gave what they could—fresh produce, home-baked bread, or sometimes nothing at all. But Valeria never minded. Her mission was simple "everyone deserves good health", regardless of their status, wealth, or species. That was her guiding principle, the foundation of her life that she would never, ever abandon.
The thought of that unwavering belief made her heart ache slightly, pulling her thoughts back to a time long ago, back to when she was a child. She had been gravely ill, a fever so high that she was barely conscious, lying on the brink of death. Her parents, desperate to save her, had sought out a healer in the capital where they lived at the time. But the healer's fees were beyond their means. They couldn't afford the treatment, and they had no choice but to watch as their daughter's life slipped away.
But then, as if by fate, a kind healer came into their humble home, no payment asked, no favors expected. This healer had simply come to save her life, healing Valeria without hesitation or cost. The memory of that selfless act had stayed with her throughout her life, inspiring her to follow the same path.
*It's what I was meant to do,* Valeria thought, her fingers pausing for a brief moment as she gently stirred a bubbling potion. That healer had given her the gift of life, and in return, she had made it her life's purpose to give the same gift to others.
As her first customer, an elderly woman with a slightly bent back, approached the counter, Valeria put her thoughts aside, offering the woman a warm smile. The old woman, as always, greeted her with gratitude, and Valeria was quick to offer her a mixture that would help with the woman's chronic joint pain.
*No charge today, Mrs. Morel,* Valeria said with a soft laugh, packing the small vial with her most potent remedy. *You've done enough for me already.*
Mrs. Morel's eyes twinkled as she accepted the vial. *I don't know how you do it, Valeria. You're too kind for your own good. But it's what makes you so special.*
Valeria simply smiled, watching the woman leave. As the door swung closed behind her, the silence of the pharmacy settled around her, and she was left alone with her thoughts again. But even in the quiet moments, Valeria's heart remained full, full of purpose, full of compassion, and always, always ready to help those in need.
The door creaked open once more, and Valeria looked up, expecting a new customer. Instead, a familiar face entered, and a smile immediately stretched across her face.
*LUCAN!*
Without thinking, she rushed around the counter and gave her childhood friend a tight hug.
Lucan, taken by surprise, stiffened for a moment before awkwardly returning the gesture. He struggled slightly for air, his voice coming out a little hoarse as he spoke.
*Nice to see you up and well too,* he said with a chuckle, trying to remain calm even as he squirmed slightly in her embrace.
Valeria finally pulled away, noticing the faint discomfort on his face. She smiled softly, stepping back. *It's been too long! You've been gone for a while. How are you?*
Lucan gave a small shrug, his amber eyes a little distant. *Same as always,* he said, his voice steady but with an undercurrent of fatigue. *Hunting. The usual.*
Valeria tilted her head, noticing the lack of enthusiasm in his voice. Normally, Lucan was proud of his work. He was one of the best vampire hunters, after all, and he took pride in his ability to protect others. But there was something off about the way he was speaking today. His posture was a little stiff, his shoulders slumped as if he were carrying a heavier burden than usual.
*You don't sound as lively as normal,* Valeria said with a gentle laugh. *Are you sure you're not overworking yourself?*
Lucan gave her a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. *It's nothing, really. Just tired from a couple of long hunts.* He looked away, running a hand through his hair. *But enough about me. How's everything here? I've been meaning to check in.*
Valeria nodded, walking over to a small wooden table and motioning for him to sit. *Well, you know, it's been busy, but I'm managing. People here are always in need of something, and I do my best to help.*
She started preparing a small tonic for him, her hands moving smoothly as she worked. As she mixed the ingredients, she noticed Lucan's eyes flitting around the room, his gaze lingering on some of the medical supplies and potions scattered across the shelves.
*So, anything interesting on your hunts?* she asked, trying to bring the conversation back to lighter topics. *Any new threats?*
Lucan seemed to hesitate before answering, as if weighing his words. *A few vampires, actually,* he said casually, though there was a slight edge to his voice. *Nothing I couldn't handle. Some stronger than others. But you know how it goes.*
Valeria didn't notice the slight tension in his voice, but she did catch the mention of vampires. It wasn't unusual for Lucan to speak of his hunts, he was known as one of the most skilled vampire hunters in the region. But something about the way he mentioned them today gave her pause. She couldn't place it, but the feeling in her gut told her there was more to the story.
She handed him the tonic with a smile. *Here, this should help with the exhaustion. Don't push yourself too hard, alright?*
Lucan took the vial gratefully and drank it down in one go. He gave her a small nod, his amber eyes still flickering with that unreadable glint. *Thanks, Val. I needed that.*
Valeria studied him for a moment, still sensing that something was off. *You're welcome. Just... take care of yourself, okay?* She paused, unsure of how to phrase the next question. *Are you sure you're not dealing with something... bigger than usual? You seem a little more on edge than normal.*
Lucan's smile faltered slightly, though he quickly regained his composure. *It's nothing. Just some tougher opponents.* He seemed about to say more but then hesitated. *Anyway, I should probably get going. I've got a few things to take care of.*
Valeria gave him a small frown, but she didn't press him further. *Alright. Just don't wear yourself out too much.*
As Lucan made his way to the door, he paused and turned back to her. *I'll see you around, Val. Stay safe.* His voice was firm, but there was a quiet wariness in his eyes, something she couldn't quite decipher.
After he left, Valeria stood in the middle of the room, a deep frown settling on her face. The entire conversation had left her unsettled. Something wasn't right. Lucan seemed... distant. And the mention of vampires—his usual pride in the hunt was absent, replaced by a weariness she hadn't seen before.
The more Valeria thought about it, the more she couldn't shake the feeling that the vampire she had saved might not have been just another rogue.
What if… Valeria thought, chewing her lip anxiously. What if the vampire I healed… was one Lucan had been after?
Her mind raced back to the battle she'd witnessed the night before, the girl … no, Aria, having been on the verge of death, a victim of brutal injuries. Could it be the same vampire? The one Lucan had mentioned before, the one he had spoken of with such disdain?
The sinking feeling in her stomach grew. She couldn't ignore the possibility any longer.
Valeria let out a deep breath, trying to push the dark thought aside. She didn't know for sure, but she knew one thing: She needed to find out.
For now, though, there was little she could do. She'd healed the girl, and if Aria had been the one Lucan was hunting, then there was a dangerous intersection ahead. She just hoped that she hadn't made a fatal mistake.
Her hand lingered on the counter as she looked at the door where Lucan had exited, her thoughts tangled in uncertainty. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
Valeria sat quietly for a moment, her thoughts swirling like a storm. The memory of Aria's words echoed in her mind, *"I will repay you for this, one day."* The promise left a strange weight in her chest, a mixture of unease and curiosity. She had always prided herself on helping anyone in need, regardless of who they were, but this was different. Aria wasn't just any traveler, wasn't just another soul in need of her healing. She was a vampire, Lucan's enemy.
The thought gnawed at her. She hadn't hesitated in helping the girl, and part of her still believed she'd made the right choice. A healer's oath was one of compassion, not judgment. But she couldn't ignore the consequences that might come with Aria's promise. What if Aria's debt to her wasn't one of gratitude, but of something far darker? Could it be a trap in disguise? She had no idea what kind of person the vampire was, and she was running out of time to find out.
And then, there was Lucan. He had no clue, of course. He didn't know that the vampire he'd nearly killed was the one Valeria had healed. But she couldn't shake the feeling that it would only be a matter of time before the truth came out, before his sword met Aria's fangs, or worse. Aria was on the run, yes, but for how long? And how dangerous could she be, with that much blood on her hands and an unknown agenda?
The more Valeria thought about it, the more tangled the web became. On one hand, Lucan had every reason to hunt her down; she was a creature of the night, a predator to his kind. On the other, Aria had shown gratitude for the life Valeria had saved her from, even if it was in the form of a promise.
*Was she saving her for a later betrayal?* The question lingered in the air like an ominous fog.
Valeria didn't want to face the possibility that her healing touch might come back to haunt her, that she might have just unwittingly set off a chain of events that could tear apart everything she stood for. But she couldn't back away from it. Aria's life was now tied to hers, and somehow, despite all the doubt swirling inside her, she knew the vampire wasn't the only one who owed a debt.
With a deep breath, Valeria shook her head, as if trying to clear away the doubts. *I'll figure this out.*
One step at a time. Right now, all she could do was keep moving forward, keep her eyes open, and pray that the threads of fate didn't pull her into something darker than she could handle.
Valeria sat quietly, her thoughts tangled like a knot that wouldn't loosen. Aria's words, *"I will repay you for this, one day."*, repeated in her mind, lingering in the air like a shadow she couldn't shake. Her healing instinct told her she'd done the right thing in helping Aria, but the promise the vampire made weighed heavily on her heart. Aria wasn't just any traveler; she was a vampire. And though Valeria didn't believe in judging others based on their species, it was hard to ignore the reality of what Aria was.
On one hand, Valeria truly believed the girl's promise was genuine. Aria had shown gratitude, after all, and there was something in her eyes, a kind of quiet sincerity, that made Valeria think this vampire wasn't purely evil. She didn't seem like the bloodthirsty fiend Lucan made her kind out to be. No, Aria had been hurt, vulnerable, and in need of help, just like anyone else. Valeria could tell that much.
But that was where her certainty stopped. Aria's words, the promise of repayment, still had a hollow ring to them, as if she herself didn't fully understand what it meant. How could Valeria be sure? Vampires were not known for their kindness or their gratitude, and though Aria didn't seem malicious, who could say how deep her nature ran? Could she really be trusted? Would that promise come with strings attached, strings Valeria wouldn't see until it was too late?
And then there was Lucan. Valeria had known for years what his job was, what he fought for, what he'd seen in the darkest corners of the world. The thought of him learning the truth, that the vampire he'd nearly killed was the one Valeria had healed, was a terrifying one. She could already hear his voice, filled with anger, disbelief, perhaps even betrayal. But there was no way she could have turned her back on Aria when she was so close to death. No way she could have let someone, anyone, die on her watch.
Still, she couldn't ignore the fact that Aria was dangerous, and if her promise to Valeria did come with some twisted motive, could she afford to ignore that?
*But…* Valeria hesitated, *Aria doesn't seem evil. She didn't come for blood. She wasn't like the stories Lucan tells.*
Her instincts told her there was more to Aria than just the curse of being a vampire. But how could she truly know for sure? There was so much she didn't understand about the girl. The questions circled in her mind, pulling her in different directions.
*Maybe Aria just wants to repay a kindness. Maybe she really is different. But there's still that doubt...* Valeria sighed, frustrated. She wasn't used to feeling like this—uncertain, unable to trust her own instincts.
I'll have to keep my guard up. But I'll also give her the benefit of the doubt. For now, Valeria thought, her resolve hardening. The promise Aria had made couldn't be ignored. Whether it was out of genuine gratitude or some other reason, it was a debt owed, and Valeria intended to see it through, even if she couldn't predict what it would lead to.
For the moment, that was all she could do: keep moving forward, and trust that time would reveal the truth.
Valeria's mind raced as she worked tirelessly at her cluttered counter, grinding herbs and mixing ingredients. But her thoughts kept wandering back to Aria, the vampire girl she had healed. Was her promise sincere? Could a creature born from darkness really change? Valeria shook her head, trying to push the thoughts aside, but the doubts gnawed at her.
The day had started like any other, and she had hoped to focus on her work. But it was nearly impossible to concentrate. Her hands moved mechanically, but her thoughts were elsewhere. As she prepared another potion, the swirling mixture of colors and liquids began to shift in ways she hadn't intended. She frowned, adjusting the ingredients, but something was off. The brew was wrong. She hadn't even realized she was testing on the pig in the corner until it was too late.
With a sickening realization, she watched in horror as the pig collapsed, its body writhing in pain, convulsing from the poison she had unknowingly created. The smell of burnt flesh filled the air, and Valeria felt a pit form in her stomach. *What have I done?*
Her hands shook as she quickly rushed to check the animal, but it was too late. The pig's lifeless body was a grim reminder of her failure. Her heart sank into her chest, her earlier sense of purpose fading into frustration and guilt.
*Damn it, Valeria,* she scolded herself, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. *You've got to focus.*
But before she could regain her composure, a loud scream pierced the air, sending a shock of adrenaline through her veins.
*MONSTER ATTACK!*
Valeria's blood ran cold, her heart pounding in her chest as the words echoed in her ears. She froze for a moment, her mind struggling to catch up with the sudden urgency. A monster? The village was always peaceful, so the possibility of an actual monster attack seemed unlikely. But the desperation in the scream left no room for doubt.
Her hands instinctively shot out to grab her healing bag, and in one fluid motion, she slung it over her shoulder. I have to help, she thought, her usual calm demeanor hardening into something resolute. The village needed her. There was no time to waste.
Without another second's hesitation, Valeria stormed out of her shop, the cool night air hitting her skin like a slap. The familiar streets of Ever Green were filled with chaos as villagers ran in every direction, panic spreading like wildfire. She could hear the distant roar of something monstrous, a deep, guttural sound that sent a shiver down her spine.
Valeria's eyes scanned the crowd, looking for the source of the attack, but there was too much confusion, too much movement. She pushed past the frantic villagers, her focus sharpening. *Stay calm,* she reminded herself. *You're a healer, you've faced dangerous situations before. Don't let fear control you.*
As she neared the center of the commotion, the sight that met her eyes froze her in place. The ground was cracked and scorched, and the trees had been uprooted as though something enormous had passed through. A shadow loomed in the distance, its massive form barely visible in the darkness.
*What is that?* Valeria mumbled to herself, dread creeping over her. *This… this isn't a typical monster. It's something more.*
But there was no time for hesitation. Grabbing her bag tighter, Valeria steeled herself and began to run towards the chaos. She could hear the panicked screams of the villagers and the desperate shouts of those trying to fight back.
I have to help, she thought again, the image of the pig's death fading behind her. I can't fail them
Valeria's breath caught in her throat as her eyes locked onto the scene unfolding before her. There, in the center of the chaos, was Lucan, fighting with everything he had against a creature that towered over the surrounding buildings. It wasn't just any orc; it was an Orc King, massive and covered in jagged, battle-worn armor. The beast roared, its voice shaking the earth beneath them, and swung a massive spiked club that could flatten anything in its path.
Lucan moved like lightning, his agility unmatched as he dodged the crushing blows, his sword flashing in the moonlight. Valeria could see the determination in his eyes, the way he always fought, so sure of himself, so unyielding. But there was something different now. She could sense the strain in his movements, the sweat slicking his brow despite the cold night. He was pushing himself to the limit.
Every swing from the Orc King sent shockwaves through the ground, and the air grew thick with the sounds of clashing steel and bone. Lucan was fast, but the orc was relentless. Each time Lucan tried to land a blow, the Orc King retaliated with fury, its thick, green skin barely scratching beneath Lucan's blade. The beast seemed to take no notice of the human's attempts, its eyes locked in on the warrior with bloodlust.
This isn't just a fight, Valeria thought, her heart pounding in her chest. This is a battle for survival.
Her instincts screamed at her to rush in, to help him, but she hesitated. Lucan was strong, skilled, and experienced. He'd been trained for moments like this, and yet… there was a desperation in his movements now that she had never seen before. This orc wasn't just a random monster; it was something far worse. Valeria could tell just by looking at it that this creature wasn't meant to be defeated easily.
A heavy swing from the Orc King sent Lucan skidding back, the ground beneath him splintering from the force of the blow. The warrior barely managed to keep his footing, gritting his teeth in pain.
*LUCAN!* Valeria called out before she could stop herself, rushing forward instinctively.
Lucan caught by the scream of guard looked in Valerias direction. In that second the orc king attacked, Lucan would have no time to counter the attack.
With a surge of her healer instinct to save she pushed Lucan to the side taking the full brunt of the attack.
She flew against the wall, she felt pain her vision completely messing with her as everything was going dark.
Lucan's head snapped in Valeria's direction, his heart skipping a beat at the sound of her voice. His eyes widened in alarm, but the split second of distraction was all it took for the Orc King to strike. With a roar, the massive beast swung its spiked club down in a deadly arc toward Lucan.
Time seemed to slow, and Lucan's muscles screamed for him to react, to move, but there was no time. His body froze, and in that instant, he knew the attack was going to land.
But then, out of nowhere, Valeria was there.
Her healer's instinct took over in a surge of determination. Without thinking, she pushed Lucan aside, taking the full force of the Orc King's attack. The world around her exploded in a flash of blinding pain as the club slammed into her side, sending her flying through the air like a ragdoll. She crashed into the stone wall of the building with an agonizing impact, the breath knocked from her lungs.
Her body crumpled to the ground, vision blurring, everything spinning. The pain was overwhelming, too much to comprehend. She could feel the darkness closing in, her consciousness slipping away, her body numb from the shock.
But even as she teetered on the edge of oblivion, there was movement. The faintest flicker of something in her dimming vision.
Then, as if summoned by fate, a figure appeared. It wasn't a guard, or even Lucan, but someone else, someone she hadn't expected to see again.
Aria.
The vampire she had healed.
Aria's eyes glowed with fury, her two blades flashing like twin streaks of silver in the daylight. She moved with a grace and precision that was almost otherworldly, her form a blur as she tore into the Orc King. Each strike was devastating, each slash cutting through the beast's thick hide with ease. Valeria could see it clearly, despite her failing vision, the Orc King was powerful, but Aria was unstoppable.
But the sun, Valeria noticed with a pang of concern, was burning the vampire. Her skin sizzled in the sunlight, but Aria seemed unfazed, her movements swift and graceful, as though the searing pain of the sun meant nothing to her.
Within moments, the Orc King crumpled to the ground, defeated. The battle was over.
Lucan, who had been watching in shock, blinked in disbelief thinking all this time he killed that vampire. His mind was still processing what had just happened. He had thought that Aria was a monster, someone who could have been a deadly enemy. But now, she was the one who had saved them all. The realization hit him hard, but his worry quickly shifted to Valeria.
She was still on the ground, blood pooling beneath her, her face pale, eyes barely open.
*Valeria!* Lucan's voice cracked as he rushed to her side, his gaze frantic.
Through the haze of her pain, Valeria managed to smile faintly, her voice weak and strained. *Guess she... did mean her promise,* she mumbled, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
Before Lucan could respond, something incredible happened. Aria appeared beside Valeria, moving with supernatural speed. In an instant, the vampire scooped Valeria into her arms, lifting her effortlessly.
Lucan could only watch in stunned silence as Aria transformed into a cloud of black smoke, vanishing into the forest with Valeria in tow. The image of Lucan's childhood friend slipping away, carried off by a creature he had once seen as nothing more than a threat, left him speechless. The weight of the situation crashed down on him, and he stood there, lost, thinking he had just lost everything.
Valeria's vision blurred even more as the world around her faded. The pain was distant now, a mere whisper in her mind. She could feel herself slipping, the world turning dark. But there was something else, a strange sensation on her neck, a faint pressure, like a bite.
Her body felt heavier with each passing second. She couldn't move, couldn't speak.
Her world went black.