Chosen by the Beasts, Claimed by the Dragon-Chapter 27: Reluctant doctor

— ZORYN —

Apparently, her name is Naya, and she’s one of Riven’s few female relatives. She very shyly introduced herself to me before she and the three boys headed off again, leaving me to myself—but, of course, my solitude didn’t last long. Fortunately, Dad is the one who finds me first.

He envelops me in a huge hug, which takes me by complete surprise. Dad’s not usually a big ’physical affection’ kind of guy, so this is a rare occasion. Who could pass up a hug from their favorite person, though? I lean into it with a grin and melt into his chest.

Being in his arms makes me feel small again... but not in a bad way. I feel loved and seen, validated by the person I admire the most.

"You fought well, little one," Dad says, patting the top of my head.

All of my bravado and pride fall to the back of my mind for a moment, leaving only an excited child being praised by their father behind. I laugh a little, "I have a good teacher."

"Only the best," he chuckles, pulling away from me. He does a once-over of me, nodding with approval at the injuries I’ve sustained—but he does a double-take when he gets to my neck. Dad’s eyes narrow, and he meets my gaze, silently urging an explanation.

I shrug, a bit awkward but not ashamed. "Yeah, it happened."

Dad’s silent for several long moments. When he eventually speaks, his voice is... soft, far different than the anger I expected.

"Are you happy?" He asks.

I nod. "It was my idea."

A sigh escapes his large chest, and he nods with acceptance. "Alright, as long as you’re happy. Truthfully, I was hoping the two of you would figure out some kind of an arrangement—it just happened sooner than I thought."

I can’t help but laugh, "...You wanted me to give him a chance? It sounded like you wanted him dead before."

"It was both. It’s because I wanted there to be a chance that his immature behavior angered me," he shrugs. "I’ll still kill him if he upsets you, though; it’s always on the table."

"I’ll kill him myself if he upsets me," I casually stretch my arms. "I think it’s more likely I’ll upset him, if I’m honest."

Dad’s about to say something else when I’m suddenly plowed into from the side, lifted into the air by strong arms, and spun around. He just watches helplessly—there’s nothing that can contain Roan when he’s excited, after all.

"ZOR! THAT WAS AWESOME!" Roan exclaims as he pulls me into his tight embrace. "You’re literally the coolest ever."

"Don’t spin me too much, I’ll puke," I groan, but I return his hug. "I’m sorta the best, yeah."

He returns me to the ground after a while, and he looks at me proudly, his fluffy bear ears twitching slightly. "We’re going to have to celebrate once we get back home. I know my dad’ll be excited, too."

I nod, "Yeah, and we’ll eat a lot."

Roan nods, "Naturally."

"We’ll also eat a lot tonight," I grin. "Champion’s Day is the best."

The two of us start walking toward my lodgings so I can freshen up and get ready for the feast tonight. As we’re walking, I catch sight of a familiar wolf in deep conversation with someone from one of the serpent clans. It’s Ashen; his brows are creased, and he looks a little saddened.

Huh. I wonder what could darken Ashen’s mood like that? He seems like a pretty emotionally steady guy, like, aside from being awkward around me.

Roan seems to notice, too. "Damn, he looks like he’s having a bad time."

I nod in agreement, and I fall silent for a moment. I’m not usually someone to pry, but something inside me is urging me to see him and find out what’s wrong. As much as he pissed me off... I dunno, seeing him like that troubles me.

"Want to check on him?" Roan asks, almost like he has already read my mind. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually can see my thoughts telepathically.

I nod again, then start walking in Ashen’s direction. We arrive just as the serpent—it looks like he was a doctor?—is leaving, and Ashen is lost in thought. He doesn’t notice when we approach him, and startles a little when I tap him on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Oh! Oh, my gods—" Ashen laughs off his surprise, "I’m surprised to see you, but I’m glad you decided to pause your walk for me. I wanted to say sorry for being the worst before—but you were amazing out there, Miss Champion. I’ll never doubt you again, I promise!"

I laugh, "Dude, it’s fine, seriously. I’ve punched most of my friends at least once, so it’s just initiation." I actually appreciate his apology, even though I’m over it already.

Ashen’s shoulders relax instantly, and his tired eyes brighten a little when I say the word ’friends.’ "Thanks for forgiving me... anyway, I’m sure you didn’t stop only to say hi, you’re a busy warrior. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Actually..." I pause, unsure how to continue. Isn’t it weird for me to tell him I was kind of worried about him? It’s super out of character for me. I have no idea what’s wrong with my head, but if it also has to do with being a woman... this lady shit is exhausting for real.

Roan, ever my hero, encourages me by starting it off, "You looked kinda down, man."

"Yeah, just wanted to make sure you’re alright," I add, feeling less awkward when I’m piggybacking off Roan’s kindness instead of being nice on my own.

Ashen is visibly surprised, but shakes his head dismissively, "I’m just looking into something for someone and was hoping I could find insight from other tribes, but... no such luck."

"What are you looking for?" I ask, "Maybe we would know something helpful."

"Ah... I guess it’s worth a shot," Ashen replies quietly before asking, "Do either of you know anything about medicine?"

I frown, instantly feeling useless—neither Roan nor I is a proficient healer. We only learned the basics—which plants are edible, and which ones aren’t. That’s the only thing necessary to us, of course.

Roan shakes his head, "I’m going to be honest, I don’t know a lot of things in general—but especially not medicine."

"I don’t—" Suddenly, an idea comes to me. I glance down at my wrist and look at the mark Sylas gave me. An evil smirk tugs at my lips as I change my sentence halfway, "I don’t, but I know someone who does."

"You do?" Roan asks, surprised.

I lift my wrist and look at the rune more closely. I’m not actually sure how this summoning spell works. Uh... didn’t he just say I needed to call for him or something?

"Sylas," I demand. I’m not sure it worked... but then after a moment, the handsome snakeman has appeared at my side.

"Hello, love," he greets me in his usual, smooth, and seductive tone. There are traces of a smile on his lips until he looks to see Roan and Ashen standing there, then his expression becomes a little disappointed. "I thought maybe you summoned me for fun, but I take it that’s not the case."

I shake my head, "Ashen has a medical question he’s been searching for answers to... Uh, I don’t know what the question is, though." I glance at the wolf in question, whose face has turned sour.

"He’s the one?" Ashen grumbles.

"She was right to summon me; I’m the greatest alchemist in the land... but my consultation fee isn’t cheap," Sylas answers, looking through his slit pupils at me.

"No," I say simply. "Just help."

Ashen tries to act less perturbed, but it’s only half-working. At least he’s earnest, "If you have the knowledge I seek, I will pay you any fee. It’s really important."

Sylas looks between Ashen and me and deflates a little. "Fine, I will answer your question for free just this once—for Zoryn." He serves an overdramatic sigh, but crosses his arms and looks at Ashen expectantly. "Go on, then, pup."

"There’s a disease that’s plagued the wolfbeasts for a long time, and I am looking to find or develop a cure," Ashen answers, his expression grave. "It’s rare, but it’s fatal. One of our pack’s little brothers is currently suffering from it, and I... I want to help him, and any that come after."

My heart grows heavy with empathy, but also respect. Ashen, a warrior general, is going far beyond his duties and expertise and is trying to save his family.

"Symptoms?" Sylas responds with one word, but his eyes have narrowed as if he’s already calculating something in his mind.

Ashen answers gravely, "Their organs turn to crystal over time, life expectancy—"

Sylas finishes for him, "It’s roughly fifteen years after diagnosis."

"...Right," Ashen says.

"I’m not sure what the wolves call it, but historically it’s known as Crystathemia," Sylas speaks matter-of-factly, without a hint of emotion. "And it exists among all beasts."