Faye's POV
For years, I had kept my healing gift buried deep inside, terrified of discovery. I was certain that anyone who learned of my ability would either fear me or want me destroyed. Never did I imagine that someone would greet this revelation with relief, even joy. It left me questioning whether they understood the true nature of what I could do.
Their desperate gratitude became clear soon enough. Ansley's voice cracked as she spoke. "My husband was attacked on the first night of the tide. One of those winged creatures bit him, and his body started decaying from within."
Aliya stepped forward anxiously. "The infection didn't stop with him. Whatever poison entered his system began spreading to the other men. Soon we had multiple soldiers showing identical symptoms."
