[Veltharr — East District — 10:00 AM]
Emily had mentioned the herbalist at breakfast.
Not as an invitation.
Just as information — that she wanted to go back, that there were things she hadn't bought the first time, that the high‑mountain plants had properties she was still processing.
Alex had put down his cup.
"I'll go with you."
Emily looked at him.
"You don't have to—"
"I want to."
A pause.
"Why?"
"Because you've been healing me for weeks and I've never asked you what you like."
Emily was left without an immediate answer.
Her cheeks moved toward red before she could do anything about it.
"Okay," she said finally.
---
[Five minutes later — Inn hallway]
Raven watched from the edge of the stairs as Alex and Emily left through the main door.
Kira came up beside her.
"Where are they going?"
"To the herbalist." Raven watched them turn the corner. A pause. "Alone."
Kira processed that.
"So?"
