CHAPTER NINETY FIVE - TRYING HER LUCK ONE MORE TIME

"What did this?" Karina asked, fighting to keep her voice steady as she cleaned the area with deft strokes. "Boar," Nancy grunted, her jaw clenched tight. "Didn't see it coming until it was too late." She hissed sharply as Karina applied a pungent salve. "That stings like Hel's fire!" "It'll help prevent infection and speed healing," Karina murmured, carefully winding a fresh bandage over the area. She couldn't resist adding, "I would think an experienced huntress such as yourself would know to take more care." Nancy shot her a scathing look but remained silent as Karina deftly secured the dressing. As she worked, Karina was acutely aware of the scrutinizing stare Nancy was leveling at her—an intense, unblinking regard that made her pulse quicken uncomfortably. At last, Karina tied off the final knot and began gathering the used materials to repack. "There," she said briskly, rising to her feet and brushing the dirt from her skirts. "That should do for—" The words died on her lips