The healer's chambers were tucked away in a quiet corner of the estate, filled with the scent of dried herbs and ancient incense. The walls were lined with shelves of glass jars and leather-bound books, their contents a mystery to Iva's eyes. Soft candlelight flickered across the room, casting dancing shadows that seemed to move with a life of their own.
Iva sat on the examination table, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and dread.
Beside her, Nick stood close, his hand resting on her shoulder, a steady anchor in the storm of her emotions.
The healer was an old woman, her face lined with years of wisdom and experience. Her eyes were pale and knowing, and they seemed to see straight through Iva, reading the secrets buried deep within her sou
