Cave of a Thousand Monsters, the School of the Wolf's New Stronghold?

"You had another nightmare."

It was a statement, not a question.

Ailin raised a hand to touch his forehead and found it covered in cold sweat. The bedding beneath his back and across his chest was soaked as well.

The air was thick with the scent of juniper, bitter and sharply sour.

He turned his head.

Vira stood beside the bed, bent over as she busily used a silver-white dagger to spread thick green medicine evenly across gauze.

The juniper scent and that acrid bitterness came from it.

"Do you really not want to tell me about it?" With her back to Ailin, her voice was soft and warm. "I learned a little about dream interpretation from Ianna. At the very least, I could help share the burden."

If Mary heard Vira speaking in that tone, she would surely stare with her mouth hanging open.

He thought so, then remained silent.

That dream had been naked and drenched in blood. It needed no interpretation.

Ailin stayed silent, and so did Vira.

This scene had played out many times over the past few days. Ever since Mary had let slip that he was having nightmares, Vira was usually the one he saw whenever he woke from one.

Day or night.

Ever since their conversation on the Old Road, an unspoken understanding seemed to have formed between them.

Today, as usual, after being refused, Vira did not press him further. She carefully helped Ailin turn onto his side and changed his dressing.

"Mm, you're recovering very well." Vira smiled gently. "Congratulations, Ailin. One more dressing change, and you'll be fully healed."

Ailin clenched his fist, feeling his strength gradually return. He could not help but smile as he looked at Vira and asked,

"Can you tell me what's happening outside now? Has