Ivory_Smart_2462

When a global mutation crisis grants people extraordinary abilities, Elias finds himself with one of the rarest gifts—healing. But instead of being a hero, he becomes the most wanted man on the planet, hunted by governments, mercenaries, and power-hungry elites who see him as a tool for immortality.  

Determined to live on his own terms, Elias flees, using his abilities to help those in need while staying under the radar. But survival gets complicated when a cold, lethal ex-mercenary named Kieran Wolfe offers him protection—for a price.  

As enemies close in and secrets unravel, Elias must decide: keep running, or place his trust in a man who might just be more dangerous than those hunting him.

The enigmatic healer

Eliana's hands trembled as she pressed her palm against the rough stone wall, trying to ground herself. The night air was cool against her skin, but inside, something burned—something deeper than exhaustion.

She could still feel the warmth of Kieran's touch on her wrist from when he had pulled her through the streets. She had no reason to think about it, but it lingered.

"You're still standing," Kieran's voice broke through the silence, his back turned to her as he scanned the street. "Good. We'll move at dawn."

Eliana let out a slow breath. "And if we run into trouble before then?"

"You'll stay behind me," he said simply.

She clenched her jaw. "And if you get hurt?"

Kieran turned, giving her a sharp look. "I won't."

Eliana hated how sure he was, how confident in his own strength. He never considered weakness—not in himself, at least. But she knew better. She had seen blood on his skin before, seen the way his body tensed in pain even when he pretended not to feel it.

She stepped closer. "Everyone bleeds, Kieran."

He didn't move, but something in his expression shifted, like he wanted to challenge her on that but couldn't find the words.

A sharp sound rang through the stillness. The whistling of an arrow cutting through air.

Eliana barely had time to react before Kieran moved. In a blur of motion, he twisted, his sword flashing as he deflected the attack. The arrow snapped in half, the pieces clattering against the stone.

Shadows moved beyond the courtyard walls. They weren't alone.

The attackers were fast, emerging from the darkness with blades drawn. Kieran met them head-on, his movements fluid, precise. He cut through the first with ease, but there were more—too many.

A blade slipped past his defenses, slicing across his arm.

Ignoring his warning, she darted forward, hands reaching for him before he could stop her. The moment her fingers grazed his wound, warmth spread from her palms—a soft, golden light pulsing against his skin.

The gash closed instantly, the torn flesh knitting back together as if it had never been there.

The world seemed to go silent for a moment. The battle around them faded as his gaze locked onto hers, something raw and unreadable in his eyes.

"You—" His voice was rough, almost disbelieving.

She turned, raising her hands toward another attacker. Power surged through her, ancient and relentless, light bursting from her fingertips. The man staggered back, his body trembling before he collapsed.

Eliana swayed, her vision blurring at the edges. Too much. It was always too much.

Kieran caught her before she could fall, his grip steady, strong. "What the hell was that?"

Eliana tried to speak, but the world tilted.

Darkness took her before she could answer.

** the cost of power**

the cost of power