Page 45 of Fated

She wore a crisp cream-colored suit, and her gray hair had been fastened into a neat bun. When her sharp blue-lagoon eyes found Ash, they softened, glistening with unshed tears. Her delicate fingers rose to cover her mouth, and a soft, almost inaudible whimper escaped her lips.

Slowly, she approached Ash, her smile growing warmer with every step.

When she finally stood before him, she raised a trembling hand and placed it on Ash’s cheek. His body tensed beside me.

“You don’t know who I am, do you, my young prince?” she asked, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and affection.

Prince?My eyes widened as I looked at Ash.

His brows only furrowed slightly.

“No, I do not know who you are,” he replied, his voice steady and calm, though perhaps with a hint of unease.

The woman shook her head, an understanding smile on her face, before turning away to sit behind a large desk. “Please sit.” She gestured to a wide chair across from her, large enough for two. Ash hesitated, then reluctantly moved toward the seat, and I followed closely behind.

“Are you hungry? I can have Lilly ask the kitchen to prepare something for you—a meal or perhaps a drink?” She paused,her gaze lingering on Ash again as a contemplative expression crossed her face. “Though I suppose food wouldn’t appeal to you.”

“We are only here seeking answers,” Ash said rather coldly.

Madam Pearl offered a sorrowful smile, one that tugged at my heart.

“What he means to say,” I quietly interjected, “is thank you for your kindness and hospitality and if it’s not too much trouble, we have some questions we were hoping you could answer.”

I gave her an appreciative smile.

She looked at me as if just noticing me for the first time, her expression shifting into one of confusion.

“How can it be possible?” she murmured, more to herself than to us. “What is your name?”

Her gaze was intent on me now.

“Areya,” I replied, my voice quiet.

She studied me for a moment. “Do you know what you are, Areya?”

“I think so,” I answered with a nod.

“You are a healer, dear,” she said in a quiet tone. “And as far as I know, you are the last living healer—aside from Agidius, the King of Astern.”

My heart stopped. I turned to Ash, whose posture had suddenly straightened.

“Agidius is a healer?” Ash’s voice was sharp, disbelief evident in his tone.

Madam Pearl nodded.

“You’re a liar,” Ash spat, his voice thick with anger. I winced at the harshness of his tone.

“Why would Agidius dedicate his entire life to exterminating the healers yet be one himself?” Ash demanded, his voice growing louder.

“Ash,” I whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder, hoping to calm him, but he shrugged me off with his gaze still fixed on Madam Pearl.

Despite Ash’s outburst, she seemed unfazed. “I have no reason to lie to you, Prince.” Her voice was kind but firm.

Ash visibly winced at the wordPrince.

“I can offer you the truth if you are ready to hear it. You won’t like everything I say but hear me out, Prince. I am not your enemy,” she continued, her voice unwavering. “I don’t know how you found this healer, or how you managed to enter Cresinthia, but I do know every person on this planet is counting on you—and that girl sitting beside you.”

A lump formed in my throat, and I found myself glancing at Ash. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, neither of us spoke.

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