Chapter 10 Echoes of the Past

-VALORIA, AETHERIA-

The early morning light filtered through the herb-lined windows of Lucas and Sera's apothecary, casting a soft golden glow across the workbench where Madeleine carefully sorted dried lavender.

Her movements were deliberate and confident. It was a far cry from the wary girl who had first arrived six months ago.

"Pass the chamomile," Sera called from across the room, where she was preparing morning potions and elixirs. "And check those rose hips. I think they're starting to go moldy on the bottom of the basket."

Madeleine caught the basket with practiced ease, sorting through the herbs with a critical eye. "You're right," she said, pulling out the discolored rose hips. "They've gone bad. I will see about preparing a new batch."

Sera laughed, a warm sound that had become familiar over the months. "Look at you. Six months ago, you couldn't tell a rose hip from a berry, and now you're commenting on herb quality like a professional."

"I've learned," Madeleine replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "You and Lucas have been patient teachers." Her fingers, once trembling and uncertain, now moved with precision, trimming herbs and organizing ingredients with a skill that contradicted her recent transformation.

"Remember your first attempt at grinding valerian root?" Sera teased. "You looked like you were wrestling a bear, not preparing medicine."

Madeleine's laugh was genuine, free from the wariness that had once defined her. "I've come a long way," she admitted.

Lucas entered, carrying a stack of cloth bags. "We've got house calls today," he announced. "The winter cough is making its rounds, and Mistress Hallen's youngest has a fever that's troubling her."

She paused, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "I forgot to ask yesterday, but have you seen Dante? At all? Maybe when I wasn't around?"

Lucas and Sera exchanged a quick glance. "No," Sera said carefully. "Not since he brought you here six months ago."

Madeleine frowned, then seemed to gather her courage. "Speaking of Dante, I know I've asked before but what is he, exactly? He said he wasn't human or fae. And he is definitely not a werewolf like me. So what is he?"

Lucas set down the bags he was carrying. "It's not our place to tell you what he is," he said softly. "That's his right to reveal, not ours."

"But," Madeleine started to protest.

"Some things," Sera interrupted gently, "are not for us to share. Dante will tell you if and when he chooses."

Madeleine shook her head in frustration. She knew that they knew what he was but they refused to tell her. They gave her the same answer every time she asked. Well, she had asked him and he had also refused to tell.

What exactly was he that he had to be so secretive about it?

As they prepared their healing kit, potions, elixirs, bandages, and herbal compresses, Madeleine's hands moved with practiced efficiency.

"I'll help," she said, surprising herself with her own eagerness.

Six months ago, she would have shrunk from the idea of venturing into the city, of interacting with so many humans. Now, she felt a sense of purpose.

They walked through Valoria's winding streets, the city's sounds no longer overwhelming but rather giving her a sense of familiarity and comfort.

The small cottage of Mistress Hallen was warm and cluttered, filled with the soft whimpers and cries of her fevered child.

Madeleine followed Sera carefully, her movements gentle and precise.

"How are you feeling, little one?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing. The young boy, roughly five years old, looked up with glassy eyes.

Sera watched with quiet pride as Madeleine approached the child. Where, before, she would have been awkward and uncertain, now she moved with a compassionate confidence that spoke of her growing comfort.

Madeleine knelt beside the bed, her touch incredibly light as she pressed a cool cloth to the boy's forehead. "What's your name?" she asked, her tone warm and inviting.

"Thomas," the boy whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Thomas," Madeleine repeated, smiling. "I'm going to help you feel better, okay?"

She worked methodically, mixing herbs under Sera's guidance. Her movements were careful, explaining each step to both the child and his mother. "The chamomile will help calm the fever," she said, "and this elderberry extract will support his immune system."

When Thomas winced at the bitter taste, Madeleine didn't scold. Instead, she produced a small honey stick from her bag, a trick Lucas had taught her, and used it to make the medicine more palatable.

"There," she said, wiping a stray tear from the boy's cheek. "Not so bad, right?"

Mistress Hallen watched in amazement. "You're good with children," she observed.

Madeleine looked surprised, then pleased. "I never thought I would be," she admitted quietly.

By the time they left, Thomas was sleeping peacefully, his fever already beginning to break.

Evening had settled over Valoria, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. They were walking back through a narrower street, the day's work complete, when the wolf scent hit Madeleine's nostrils.

Two figures melted from the shadows, blocking their path.

"Well, well," a rough voice said. "Look what we have here. I knew it was you."

The wolf who spoke was lean and scarred, his eyes fixed directly on her. "All this time but The Moonshadow Pack still remembers you," he sneered. "The rejected wolf. The fucking freak. Runaway. Now you're worth something, you know. There's a nice bounty for bringing you back."

Fear crashed through her like a wave. Memories of her rejection, the humiliation, the isolation, and the pain, all flooded back and she couldn't breathe.

"You're not Moonshadow Wolves, you don't have to do this," Madeleine said, her voice breaking.

The wolf laughed, the sound a grating noise. "Nah. I want to. The money's good."

Sera's hand found her shoulder, her grip surprisingly strong. "Call for Dante," she whispered.

"What?" Madeleine stammered. "He's gone. Disappeared months ago."

"Call him," Sera repeated, her voice permitting no argument. "He'll hear you."

The wolves advanced, blocking any potential escape. Lucas moved slightly in front of Sera and Madeleine, but they all knew they were no match for the werewolves. Especially with how determined they were to leave with her.

Madeleine's throat felt dry. Call for Dante? It seemed impossible.

She decided to do as she asked and called out to him, her voice clouded by fear and desperation.

"Dante! We need your help."