Chapter 47: The Gentle Healer

Daemon walked beside Sana through the wide corridors of the Silverheart Palace, their hands loosely linked.

This was the first time he had seen the palace while fully conscious, and the sight left him quietly stunned.

The palace was not built on ordinary ground. It wrapped itself around the largest tree in all of Elarion — a colossal silver tree whose trunk was so wide that entire halls, stairways, and chambers had been grown and carved into it over centuries.

Through the tall arched windows, Daemon could see the massive branches stretching outward like living rivers of silver. The height was unreal.

He was standing inside a tree that scraped the sky. ℯℯ𝑙.

Sana noticed his expression and smiled.

"When Roxanna and I first came here, we had the exact same look on our faces."

Daemon let out a short breath. "This feels surreal."

Most of the people moving through the halls were High Elves — tall, graceful, and composed. Only important officials, personal servants, and palace guards seemed to be allowed in this section of the palace.

Soft green-gold light filtered through crystal panels set into the walls, giving everything a calm, dreamlike quality.

"We can look at the city later," Sana said. "First we should find Roxanna."

As they walked, Daemon began to notice something strange. Every elf who passed them slowed down and gave Sana a respectful bow before continuing on their way.

Not a casual nod — a proper, deliberate bow of the head and shoulders.

After the fourth time, Daemon confused.

"Sana... why is everyone bowing to you? We’re not royalty."

Sana’s smile turned a little playful, but there was real warmth underneath it.

"You were unconscious for six months," she said quietly. "At the beginning, Roxanna and I were devastated.

We didn’t know if you would ever wake up. The healers here tried everything. Even Roxanna’s power couldn’t reach whatever was keeping you under."

She glanced at him from the side, her voice softening.

"Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. But this kingdom... the people here gave us something we desperately needed.

Hope.

They didn’t treat us like outsiders. They helped us so we could stand beside you properly when you finally woke up."

Daemon stayed silent, listening carefully.

"Princess Zephyra and Queen Morwenna trained us personally," Sana continued. "Zephyra taught me everything — from advanced elven archery to her signature technique, Hunter’s Moon. I’m a lot stronger than I was six months ago.

Right now... I could defeat most S-Rank Hunters without much trouble."

Daemon turned his head, clearly surprised. Sana had always been skilled, but the jump in strength she was describing was enormous.

Sana’s expression softened further.

"At first I thought everyone in this world would be like that man who tried to harass me in the forest. I was ready to hate this place.

But after living here, I realized there are a lot of good people too. Just like back home."

She paused, then added with a small, proud smile,

"And Roxanna... she’s on another level now."

"What do you mean?"

"She trained directly under Queen Morwenna herself. Roxanna was already a talented healer, but the Queen recognized something special in her almost immediately.

Her healing isn’t just technique or magic. She genuinely wants to save people. That sincerity is rare, even here. That’s why Lady Morwenna became so fond of her."

Sana’s voice carried quiet pride.

"The people of Elorian recognized it too. They love her. They call her the Gentle Healer.

Even the children know her name and run up to her when she walks through the lower gardens. She’s more famous here than I am."

Daemon felt a warm feeling spread through his chest. Hearing how much they had grown — and how well they had been treated during the long months he was asleep — made the darkness of those six months feel a little less heavy.

They hadn’t just survived without him. They had flourished.

Then a familiar voice rang down the corridor.

"Daemon!"

Roxanna came running toward them, her long black hair flowing behind her like a dark ribbon. Before Daemon could fully react, she threw her arms around him with enough force to make him step back.

She didn’t let go. Her shoulders trembled as she buried her face against his chest.

"When they told me you woke up, I... I came every day to check, but you never opened your eyes." Her voice was thick with emotion.

"Even my healing didn’t work on you. I was so afraid I would lose you for real."

Daemon gently raised a hand and rested it on her back, his voice soft.

"Roxy. I’m sorry. Look at me — I’m completely fine now. Don’t cry."

She pulled back just enough to inspect him with both hands, checking his face, his shoulders, his arms, as if confirming he was solid and real.

Only when she seemed satisfied did the tension in her body begin to ease. Sana watched the two of them with a quiet, affectionate smile.

Only then did Daemon truly take in Roxanna’s appearance.

She was wearing an elegant gown made of layered natural leaves and soft silk, the design clearly influenced by high elven craftsmanship.

An emerald necklace rested against her collarbone, and a single large white flower was pinned in her neatly combed black hair.

Standing there in the soft palace light, she looked almost like a fairy who had stepped out of the heart of the forest itself.

Daemon’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile.

"Roxy... you’re more beautiful than ever." His voice was quiet. "This is what I wanted for you. From the very first day I saw you standing outside that dungeon gate."

Roxanna’s cheeks turned pink, but her eyes remained wet and bright. She didn’t look away.

Ding!

A clear System notification appeared in Daemon’s vision.

[Affection Threshold Reached]

Target: Roxanna Sterling — 100%

[Roxanna Sterling has fully qualified as a Soul-Bonded Wife.]

[Would you like to initiate the Soul Bond?]

[Rewards have been generated due to Roxanna Sterling’s happiness.]

Daemon’s gaze lingered on the notification. For a long moment he simply looked at her — at the woman who had waited and worried for six months, who had grown into someone an entire kingdom respected and loved.

He wanted to ask her right then.

But the memory of her earlier words returned clearly.

She wanted a divorce from Garrick first. She wanted to return to Earth and settle her past properly, on her own terms.

Pushing the Soul Bond on her now, while she was still legally tied to another man, would feel wrong. It would take the choice away from her.

He decided quietly.

When we return to Earth... after she is free... then I will ask her properly.

Daemon exhaled and looked at both women.

"We can return to Earth," he said. "I can open the gate whenever you two are ready. I’d prefer to go as soon as possible."

He expected relief. Maybe even eagerness.

Instead, both Sana and Roxanna went still.

A complicated mixture of hesitation, disappointment, and reluctance flickered across their faces.

Neither of them answered right away. The cheerful atmosphere that had surrounded their reunion seemed to dim.

The wide corridor of the Silverheart Palace suddenly felt very quiet.