Chapter 57 - The Healing Wing
Elara found Athena just after midday.
Not by chance.
On purpose.
"I could use your hands," she said gently.
Athena smiled faintly. "That sounds more like a command than a request."
Elara's eyes warmed. "You'll understand why in a moment."
They walked together toward the healing wing, the familiar scent of herbs and warm water greeting Athena the moment they stepped inside.
But this time, it felt different.
Not like she had wandered into a place she didn't belong.
Like she had been expected.
A young man sat on one of the stone benches with a cut along his forearm, wincing slightly as another healer tried to clean it.
Athena stepped forward without thinking.
"May I?" she asked.
The healer moved aside.
Athena knelt, examining the wound with careful eyes.
"Too much pressure," she said softly. "You're pressing the cloth into the cut instead of around it."
She adjusted the angle, working gently, efficiently.
The young man relaxed almost immediately.
"Thank you," he muttered.
Athena smiled faintly.
She moved to the next patient without being asked.
Then the next.
And the next.
Organizing cloths.
Sorting jars.
Reaching for tools before Elara even spoke the need aloud.
Her movements were natural.
Instinctive.
Like her body remembered something her mind did not.
Other pack members began to watch quietly as they passed through.
Not staring.
Observing.
Noticing.
Athena didn't realize they were doing it.
She was too focused.
Too comfortable.
Too... at home.
Elara stood back for a moment, simply watching her.
The way she spoke calmly to each injured person.
The way her hands never hesitated.
The way her presence seemed to settle the room.
Athena glanced up finally.
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked.
Elara shook her head slowly.
Her expression soft.
"You were born for this," she said.