Healer

As she crouched down besides him, Ethan looked up at her in confusion. 

"My name is Lara, and I am a healer," she said softly. "Will you let me help you?"

"Healer?" Ethan asked, his voice uncertain. What did she mean by that?

"I will show you, if you'll allow me," she said, meeting his gaze earnestly.

Ethan hesitated, glancing between Lara and Andrew. Though the pain in his leg was excruciating, his worry for Rose consumed his thoughts. "I... I don't know."

"Let her help you, Ethan," Andrew said firmly, his voice softening slightly. "You're no good to Rose like this." There was no reason to reject Lara's help—her intentions were pure. She was a good person with a healing ability, a power that would become increasingly valuable in these dangerous times.

Healers would be highly sought after. While they couldn't cure illnesses, their ability to treat wounds made them essential for missions. In their previous life, they had been fortunate when Lara joined their team.

She and her brothers—the two protective young men—had met them in exactly this way before. After stumbling from the portal, she had healed them, and they eventually continued their journey together. As time passed, she and Ethan grew close and fell in love. But then—no.

Andrew shook his head, pushing away the dark images his mind procured. This life would be different. He would protect Ethan.

It would be simpler if Lara weren't such a good person. If she hadn't saved them countless times over the years, he could thank her for today's help and part ways. But she had proven herself invaluable to their team. They would need her skills in the months ahead. And who was he to keep them apart?

Lara knelt beside Ethan, her gentle eyes meeting his. "Rose? Is she someone close to you?"

"She's my sister," Ethan gestured weakly at the swirling portal. "She is still inside. She pushed our friend through and stayed behind. We don't know if she's okay."

Lara's brow furrowed with concern, but she maintained her composure. "I understand. Let me tend to your leg first. Then we can figure out how to help your sister."

Ethan finally nodded, wincing as he shifted his injured leg.

"This may feel strange, but try to relax," she murmured, placing her hands just above his wound.

A soft golden glow emanated from her palms, enveloping Ethan's leg. He gasped, more from surprise than pain, as a warm tingling sensation spread through the injured area. Before their eyes, the wound began to close, angry black flesh knitting together until it became unblemished skin. Everything took no more than a few moments, in which no one could take their eyes off this wondrous picture. With her blond her and pure countenance she looked like an angel casting magic.

The soft glow vanished and Lara retracted her hands. "How are you feeling now?" 

Ethan blinked a few times as if waking up from a trance then flexed his leg experimentally, amazement crossing his features as he found no trace of pain or stiffness. The healing had been thorough and complete, leaving no sign that he'd ever been injured.

"It's completely healed," he replied. "I don't feel any pain at all."

Lara nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "I'm glad I could help."

"Thank you," Ethan said, looking at the young woman with gratitude. Now he wouldn't be a hindrance anymore. Now he could go into the portal himself and bring Rose back.

"That's... incredible," Luke whispered from a few steps away, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's an ability, isn't it? That is so cool."

At his words, the two men immediately stepped forward, positioning themselves between the woman and Luke while eyeing the teenager suspiciously.

Andrew's stance equally hardened at their action.

Luke, confused by the sudden change in the air, took a step back and hid behind Andrew. The tension in the air grew thick as both sides sized each other up.

It seemed that Luke`s words had triggered their protective instincts. Their stances suggested they were ready for any conflict.

Lara cleared her throat softly, breaking the tense standoff. "Please, there's no need for hostility. We're all just trying to help each other here." Her gentle but firm tone seemed to ease some of the tension, though neither side fully relaxed their guard.

"He didn't mean any harm with his words," Andrew said trying to diffuse the situation further. He threw Luke a reprimanding gaze. Here was another one who needed proper education before his loose tongue brought them into serious trouble.

"It's fine," came Lara's soft voice from behind them. "There is no one here but us anyway," she continued, lowering her hands after successfully healing Ethan. "So, you know what an ability is?" she turned to Luke. It was a statement, not a question.

Before Luke could say anything else he'd need scolding for, Andrew stepped in between. "Those aren't things that should be discussed in the open. Even if it seems like there's no one around."

The two men exchanged meaningful glances at Andrew's words. Lara stood up gracefully, brushing off her clothes as she considered their situation. "Perhaps we should move this conversation somewhere more private," she suggested softly, her eyes lingering on the still-swirling portal.

"We can't leave," Andrew stated firmly. "Not until Rose returns."

"Then, are you going in to rescue her?" 

"No, we'll wait. For now."

"I see." Lara nodded slowly. "Then we will wait with you."