CHAPTER 45: TREAT ANOTHER WOUND

Gara was so absorbed in admiring his plants that he didn’t notice Madha standing at the front gate.

Madha looked confused—like someone lost—his gaze wandering past Gara, even though the boy was clearly right there in front of him.

Just as Madha turned away, looking even more lost, Gara finally noticed him.

"Madha!" Gara called out quickly before the man could walk any farther.

It was as if the fog in Madha’s mind suddenly lifted. His purpose—to meet Gara—snapped back into focus, and he walked straight toward him.

"How’s your wound?" Gara asked.

"I haven’t checked it yet. I came here hoping you could help me reapply the medicine," Madha replied, full of hope.

"Then come in."

Madha sat on one of the wooden stools while Gara took the one across from him.

Gently, Gara unwrapped the cloth covering the wound. He thought he’d already seen enough surprises for the day after what happened with the squirrel, but this still caught him off guard.

Madha’s wound had almost completely closed up. Fresh skin was regenerating where the flesh had been rotting just yesterday.

If Gara was surprised, Madha was stunned.

His gaze locked onto Gara, and if he could, he would’ve lifted the younger man up and shown the entire world how amazing his healing ability was.

"This isn’t just the work of the herb powder, is it? Gara, you’re going to become an incredible Liner. Being a healer is a prestigious path especially one with your kind of power."

Gara had never seriously considered becoming a healer before, but now, the idea didn’t seem so bad.

Adopting a doctor-like attitude, Gara asked, "Any other injuries?"

Madha didn’t answer, and that was answer enough. There were.

"Let me take a look. If I’m going to be a healer in the future, I need the practice," Gara said, using the kind of reasoning that always worked on Madha, reminding him that it was for Gara’s benefit, not his.

As expected, Madha showed him another wound. "A stab wound in the abdomen. From a Mistwalker."

Gara didn’t ask what a Mistwalker looked like or how it could cause such a wound. He didn’t want to risk giving himself nightmares.

The wound on Madha’s stomach was much worse than the one on his arm.

"How did you even handle the pain?" Gara asked.

"My Talent dulls pain, during and after an attack," Madha explained.

Gara sighed. That Talent really did seem made for protecting him, even though he’d never wanted anyone to suffer on his behalf.

He scooted his stool forward, then crouched in front of Madha for a better look at the wound.

The sudden change in position made Madha nervous. It was a stark contrast to Gara, who was completely at ease as he treated the injury just like yesterday.

"Does it hurt?" Gara’s voice snapped Madha out of his thoughts.

He quickly shook his head. Honestly, he couldn’t even feel Gara’s fingers on his skin.

Meanwhile, Gara was trying his best to hide his excitement. He’d used his water as an anesthetic without any herbs this time.

And it worked.

"All done." Gara stood up from his crouching position, but a sudden cramp in his leg caused him to stumble forward.

His arms instinctively wrapped around Madha’s neck, his chest landing right against Madha’s face.

Madha, who had reached out to catch him, reflexively wrapped his arms around Gara’s slender waist.

Madha took a deep breath, taking in Gara’s refreshing minty-sweet scent.

From this position, he could hear the steady beat of Gara’s heart. But it didn’t stay steady for long. The rhythm began to quicken, and then quicken some more.

Flustered, Gara immediately pulled away. That position was way too compromising, especially with the way Madha had just nonchalantly sniffed him.

"Wait here. I’ll give you some tea," Gara muttered quickly and turned around, leaving the front room without looking back.

Madha’s gaze lingered on Gara’s retreating figure.

With each passing day, his desire to stay close to Gara only grew stronger. He wanted Gara to be his.

Madha’s intense gaze softened when Gara returned, holding a cloth pouch filled with Lumora tea sachets.

"Don’t tell anyone I’m growing this tea," Gara reminded him. "It’s only because of my Talent that I was able to cultivate it."

Madha nodded, eyes full of admiration. "You really are amazing, Gara."

Gara trusted Madha. He just wanted to make sure the other boy understood the importance of keeping secrets.

Actually, Gara had wanted to serve Madha a soda version of Lumora tea (even if it wasn’t cold), but after the awkward moment earlier, he decided it’d be best if Madha didn’t stay too long.

"You should go before my mother comes back."

This time, Madha didn’t nod like a chicken pecking for food like he usually did. Instead, he pulled something out of his pouch.

"This is for you."

In his hand was a bracelet—small white beads strung together, most likely made from decorative stones, with one larger bead in the center that shimmered a glossy blue.

"To replace your old bracelet," he added.

But Gara knew this one was far more valuable than his previous one made of wooden beads.

He was certain Madha had spent the money from his last mission to buy this.

Gara took the bracelet and slipped it on. Since it was already bought, he’d accept it and make sure he returned the favor in the future.

"Madha," Gara said quietly. "From now on, if you get injured on a mission and there’s no healer around, come straight to me. Got it?"

"I will," Madha replied in a deep, gentle voice.

Gara’s ears turned red. "G-go home already."

Madha gave him a warm smile and a longing glance before finally walking away.

As soon as the door closed, Gara stepped back inside and placed a hand over his pounding chest.

"Don’t get your hopes up, Gara," he whispered to himself. "Madha might be really disappointed if he ever finds out you’re pregnant."

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