Chapter 14 : the Search for the healer

Ryo tightened the straps of the cart as he wheeled sacks of cement down the narrow streets. The city’s morning air was heavy with dust and smoke, the sun barely breaking through the smog. This was his first day working as a deliveryman for a construction company—a humble start, but a start nonetheless.
Lady Rose was literally crying while saying goodbye, but Elowen was quite relieved that he didn't have to see him for a few hours, and Andrea...well she made him a lunch box.
They all lived in one of the family's outbuildings while waiting for the manor to be repaired.
The streets were crowded, the clatter of hooves, carts, and shouting merchants filling his ears. Ryo gritted his teeth and adjusted his load. The sacks were heavier than he expected. Worse, the beast within him stirred restlessly, reacting to the strain, his body aching in ways that went beyond mere fatigue.
“Keep it together… just one more block,” he muttered, forcing himself forward.
By the time he reached the construction site, sweat soaked his hair, and the ground beneath him seemed to blur. His vision swam as the beast inside clawed at his control, gnawing at his focus. Ryo staggered, clutching the cart for support, but the weight of the sacks—and the beast—proved too much.
The world tilted. A sharp pain shot through his chest, and then darkness claimed him.
When he awoke, he was lying on a cot in a small, dimly lit room. Candles flickered along the walls, casting dancing shadows. The air smelled of herbs and earth. A young woman knelt beside him, her hands glowing faintly with golden light as she pressed them to his chest.
“Easy… you’re safe now,” she murmured. Her voice was gentle but carried authority, a mixture of comfort and command.
Ryo tried to sit up, but weakness pinned him down. “Where…?” he croaked.
“You passed out” the healer explained.
He frowned.
Her hands glowed brighter, golden tendrils weaving over his skin. Pain lanced through his muscles as the healing energy penetrated deep, knitting torn fibers together and calming the restless beast within. He felt the wild, gnawing energy inside him soften, receding like a tide.
Minutes—or hours—passed. Ryo’s body, battered and exhausted, began to feel light, almost… normal. The constant ache of the beast’s presence dulled, leaving him with a strange, unfamiliar peace.
“You should rest more before attempting anything strenuous,” the healer said, her amber eyes meeting his. “And learn to listen to that beast. It can help you—or destroy you, if ignored.”
Ryo froze,
How did she find out?
“Thank you,” he said quietly, gratitude heavy in his chest.
She smiled faintly. “Be careful. The city is not kind to those who cannot control their power… and your journey has only begun.”
Ryo left the small healer’s room and stepped back into the bustling streets. The sun hung low, painting the city in orange and gold.

---
A few days later
Ryo’s boots echoed against the stone streets as he moved through the city, the weight of the previous battle pressing down on him like a stone. Every corner of the alley seemed darker than it should, 
He paused outside a small wooden sign swinging in the wind: “Healing Arts – By Appointment Only.” The building was modest, almost hidden among the crowded market stalls. The scent of herbs drifted through the cracked doorway, sharp and earthy.
No doubt, he was there a few days ago.
He took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Inside, the room was warm, filled with the quiet hum of life: shelves of jars, bundles of dried flowers, and the faint scent of something sweet. Behind the counter, a woman moved deftly, her hands careful and precise as she ground herbs into a fine powder.
“how can I help you?” Her voice was calm “oh...Beasty, how are you doing?”
Ryo blushed when she stood up “I need a permanent healer"
The woman studied him, her amber eyes flicking over his tunic. “and you were considering me of all people?” she sighed “ I'm a full-time healer, I work for the sake of the town, I cannot be your permanent healer, I can heal you during appointment but that's all young man.” 
She stood up.
Ryo clenched his jaw. “I’ll pay whatever it takes.”
She nodded slowly, as if weighing his words. “ aren't you a delivery person?”
It should be easy though. Go to Stone gate, that's where independent healers go when they're looking for delivery people to work with. All you have to do is catch the attention of one of them” she smiled.
“Alright”
As he was leaving, the monster made itself felt, and he almost fainted again.
“Lie down. This won’t be easy.”

As Ryo laid down, the healer began murmuring under her breath, tracing symbols in the air. Light seemed to dance around her hands, soft and golden. Pain lanced through Ryo as the magic worked its way into his body, stitching together torn muscles and mending broken skin.
But it wasn’t just physical pain—memories, guilt, and fear pressed against him as the magic stirred deeper. He gritted his teeth, letting the healer’s energy flow, refusing to give in to weakness.
Once she was done the healer met his gaze, her expression unreadable. “Healing can restore the body, but it cannot restore everything. Be mindful, Ryo. Your journey is far from over.”
He nodded silently.