Page 12 of Alien Healer's Touch

"The balance between strength and gentleness—it's hard to master," I said.

"As is the balance between scientific knowledge and intuition." His golden eyes met mine. "A challenge we both face, I suspect."

He understood more than I'd given him credit for. Before I could respond, he handed me a mortar and pestle carved from an unfamiliar stone.

"These leaves must be ground to paste," he instructed. "Not too fine—they should retain some texture."

I took the tools, surprised by their weight. The pestle fit my hand perfectly, the stone's surface cool against my palm.

"The bowl transfers energy from your hands to the medicine," Kavan explained. "That's why we don't use metal tools for this work."

I began grinding the leaves, watching them release a blue-green liquid. "On the Seraphyne, everything was sterilized metal and synthetic materials. Nothing organic."

"And yet you adapted quickly to Arenix's natural remedies."

"Necessity," I said with a shrug. "When all your advanced medical tech is smashed to pieces in a crash, you work with what you have."

"You underestimate yourself, Selene." The way he said my name, with that slight emphasis on the first syllable, sent a shiver down my spine. "Many would cling to old methods even when they fail them."

The sky began to lighten, the first hints of dawn turning the eastern horizon a pale teal. We'd worked through the night. Several small bowls now contained different preparations—pastes, powders, oils.

"These must be combined in specific proportions," Kavan said, gesturing to our collection. "The timing matters."

He demonstrated, mixing three components together with a wooden spatula. The resulting compound gave off a subtle glow, almost like my markings.

"Now you try."

I followed his example with the next batch, measuring by eye as he had done. My markings pulsed as I worked, almost guiding my hands.

"Perfect," he murmured when I finished. "Your touch brings balance to the medicine."

We continued working as the grove brightened with dawn light. Strange, bird-like creatures began to call from the surrounding trees. The rhythm we'd established felt natural, as if we'd worked together for years instead of hours.

"I'm worried about returning to Hammond's camp," I admitted as we packed the finished medicines into small clay containers. "His surveillance of marked women has intensified since we rescued those women from his 'decontamination' procedures."

"You fear he may prevent you from leaving again."

"Almost certainly." I sealed another container, meeting Kavan's eyes directly. "But this isn't just about delivering medicine. I need to find out what's happening to Claire, and if he's escalated his methods since the surgical removals failed."

"You're using the epidemic as cover for intelligence gathering," Kavan said, understanding dawning in his eyes.

"The people genuinely need this medicine," I clarified. "But yes—I can't ignore what's happening to the marked women still in his control. After seeing what those 'decontamination' surgeries did to Maya and the others..." I shuddered at the memory. "I need to know exactly what we're facing now."

Kavan studied me. "A healer's mission with a warrior's approach. Dangerous, but necessary."

"This may be our only opportunity to learn what he's planning before he isolates us completely." I closed my pack with decisive movements. "The sick need me, and Hammond won't risk turning away the only doctor who can treat this epidemic. It gives me temporary protection and access."

He handed me the last container, our fingers touching briefly. Neither of us pulled away immediately.

"I could deliver the medicine," he offered. "You could remain here, safe."

I shook my head. "They wouldn't accept it from you. Hammond has convinced many that the Nyxari caused the illness somehow."

"A convenient falsehood."

"Politics often trumps truth," I said bitterly. "Even when lives are at stake."

"Then I will accompany you to the edge of their territory," Kavan said, his tone brooking no argument. "Beyond that, you must decide if I should remain hidden or stand with you."

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