Chapter 5: An Unexpected Guest

I woke with a start, my senses on high alert, my heart pounding in my chest. Something felt off, a nagging sensation that something wasn't quite right. And then I smelled it—the distinct, metallic scent of blood.

My hand instinctively went to the dagger hidden beneath my pillow, a remnant from my solitary survival in the wilderness. I rose from my bed, my eyes scanning the room for any signs of intrusion. As I approached the door, I heard a soft groan, followed by a faint, pained whisper.

"Please... help..."

My eyes widened as I recognized the voice. It was him, the man from the shop, the one who had seen through my disguise and guessed my true identity. My heart raced as I opened the door, and there he lay, his clothes torn and stained with blood, his body bruised and battered.

I felt a surge of concern as I took in the severity of his injuries. Without a moment's hesitation, I sprang into action, my healer's instincts kicking in. I dragged him inside, shielding him from prying eyes, and closed the door behind us.

As I tended to his wounds, cleaning and bandaging them with swift, practiced movements, my mind whirred. Why had he come here? How had he found me? And who had dared to attack him so viciously?

His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, our gazes locked. I saw the recognition in his eyes, the knowledge that I, Amia, was indeed a woman. But instead of fear or judgment, I saw gratitude, and it stirred something within me.

I averted my eyes, a faint blush warming my cheeks. I continued my ministrations, applying my carefully crafted salves and potions to speed his healing and ease his pain. As I worked, my mind wandered back to Damien, my once-friend who had betrayed my trust.

The bitter memories flooded my heart, and I felt the familiar sting of hurt and anger. But here, in front of me, was a man in need, and I couldn't bring myself to turn him away, despite the walls I had built around my heart.

With gentle hands, I removed his bloodied clothes, replacing them with clean garments I had made during my solitary years. I bathed his wounds, using the herbs and potions I had collected and studied during my time alone.

As I worked, I spoke softly, my voice soothing. "Rest now. You are safe here. I will do everything in my power to aid your recovery."

His eyes closed, his breathing evening out as he surrendered to the healing powers of my remedies. And as I sat by his side through the long night, a part of me softened, ever so slightly, as I remembered what it felt like to have someone to care for, someone to trust.

But even as I allowed myself this small moment of connection, the memories of Damien and the pain he had caused lingered, a constant reminder of the barriers I had erected to protect my heart.

**

The mysterious man stirred, his eyes fluttering open, and the first thing he did was reach out and gently cup my chin. "My guess was right," he said, his voice soft and warm. "The potion seller is indeed a woman, and a beautiful one at that."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, and I gently removed his hand from my chin. "Flattery will get you nowhere," I said, my tone light, but firm. "And I have no interest in sweet talk. Now, rest, or I will throw you out before your wounds have a chance to heal."

A smile played at the corners of his lips, and he held up his hands in surrender. "As you wish, my lady. I simply couldn't help but admire the skilled hands that healed me."

I softened, just a fraction, as I saw the sincerity in his eyes. "My name is Amia," I said, extending a hand to help him sit up.

"Thorne," he introduced himself, his voice strong and steady. "And I am forever in your debt, Amia. I promise to keep your secret if you will allow me to stay until my wounds are fully healed."

I studied him for a moment, seeing the genuine gratitude in his eyes. "Very well, Thorne. But any misstep, any breach of trust, and I will not hesitate to show you the door."

Thorne nodded, his expression solemn. "You have my word. I am grateful for your kindness, Amia. It has been a long time since anyone has shown me such compassion."

His words struck a chord within me, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. It had been so long since anyone had praised me, especially a man. I found myself wanting to trust him, to let down the walls I had built around my heart.