•Thunoa Clinic•
Ace's POV
The sharp scent of antiseptic mixed with the earthy aroma of medicinal herbs hung heavy in the clinic air. Mrs. Melinda's skilled hands moved with precision as she secured the final bandage around a Crimsonheart soldier's forearm, her fingers barely grazing the wound. The soldier winced but remained still under her care.
"Thank you for treating us, Mrs. Melinda," Ray said, rolling his newly-bandaged shoulder experimentally. The cotton padding stretched slightly with the movement. "Could I borrow your house key? Need to send a message to my father using the carrier pigeon I keep there."
Mrs. Melinda's hand disappeared into her apron pocket, emerging with a simple iron key. "Of course," she said, the metal catching the lamplight as she extended it toward him. "Just be sure to—"
"Lock up after," Ray finished with an easy smile, his fingers closing around the key. "You have my word."
