Man With Super Medical Skill (Matthew)

Creeeak... Despite her petite frame, the utility cover groaned as Arabella managed to push it open. It was a struggle that would have challenged even a burly man, but she pried it just enough to squeeze out.

When she finally climbed out into the night, the moonlight hit her face, revealing her grimy appearance. She collapsed on the ground, exhausted. Her clothes were drenched in the sewer's foul stench, but her striking features still shone through the muck. Tap, tap, tap. The sound of shoes made her jump. She saw two pairs of black shoes standing right before her. Startled, she scrambled to her feet and came face-to-face with Aelion, bathed in the moon's glow.

Aelion was dressed in white robes and had a unique and androgynous look. His features were delicate, and his skin was even paler than Arabella's. It was tough to figure out his gender. His eyes, though, had a trace of recognition as they locked onto Arabella. "Who are you, and what are you doing here at this hour?" Aelion asked, his voice calm and smooth.

Aelion wasn't often seen in public. He preferred to stay out of sight on rooftops or up in trees around the palace. He only showed up when he had to sign off on documents or handle big decisions. Gadel had once wondered why Aelion was always keeping a low profile and sticking around the palace, but eventually, he figured it out.NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

Arabella didn't answer. Instead, she clutched her battered blade, its edge worn and dull.

"That little blade isn't going to do much," Aelion stated, barely hiding his amusement. Even if he didn't use his powers, Arabella's blade was too blunt to be effective.

He peeked at the blade, thinking, Err... it's more like a toy than a weapon.

"Are you here to stop me?" Arabella finally asked, her voice shaking. Tears welled up-not from fear of dying but from the crushing weight of possibly failing to avenge her parents.

She thought, I've let everyone down-my family, their hopes for me, and even the old King Gawain The person in white in front of me feels so distant and untouchable. It's

like I'm facing someone I can never

getto. This might be where my journey ends.

Just as despair threatened to overwhelm her, Aelion spoke again, "Would you be willing to follow me?"

His words were like a glimmer of hope in the dark. Arabella stared at him, stunned. Is he seriously asking me to join him? Isn't he loyal to Gadel? she wondered.

Confused, she asked, "Doesn't my past matter to you?"

Aelion momentarily considered her question before responding, "Your past doesn't matter now. What matters is whether you're ready to follow me." Arabella's heart surged with hope. She thought, This may be my final shot.

"I, Arabella of the Yarwood Family, am ready to follow you, no matter what it takes!" she declared with newfound resolve.