Chapter 14: A Healer's Challenge

A soft smile lingered on Olivera's lips as she walked alongside Nick, the Pack’s doctor, out of Margarete’s house. Her fingers clutched the strap of the heavy bag that hung on her shoulder, the weight oddly comforting. It wasn’t just the supplies inside; it was the fact that she had finally been able to express her gratitude to Margarete properly, even managing a small bow to show her appreciation for the meal she had thoughtfully set aside for her. "You seem in good spirits," Nick remarked, his voice warm with amusement as they made their way down the narrow street. Olivera’s smile widened at his observation. She could feel eyes on her from all directions, including the sharp, hateful gaze of another slave squatting nearby, scrubbing metal tools on the other side of the street. She didn’t recognize what they were, but that didn’t matter. The tension in the air was palpable. "Yeah, I feel lucky to be working with you," Olivera responded, glancing at Nick with a flicker of relief in