Rosemary reached Hajin before the stew, carrying warm steam across sand still marked by blood from the ruined basin.
Vella knelt beside a wounded knight near the fire, where gold light moved from her palm into his torn side.
The flesh closed beneath her hand while the man's groans softened into careful breaths, though her expression remained sour throughout the healing.
"Thank her after she removes the light," Hajin said as the soldier tried to speak. "Vella may seal your mouth from habit if gratitude interrupts her concentration."
Vella looked across the blankets while both violet eyes narrowed. "Move your own bandage again, then I will demonstrate that habit on you."
Hajin lowered the hand touching his chest, where clean linen covered the place a spike had entered him.
"I was checking whether the important pieces stayed attached," he said as a false innocence reached his face. "Your detailed threat confirms that every important organ returned to excellent health."
