Krystal gently set Amber down on the grass next to the bubbling stream and considered her options. Ideally, she’d like to wash Amber clean in the stream, but Amber looked too weak to sit up.

“Do you need help?”

Krystal glanced up at the angelic figure standing a few feet away.

“Sure—it’s Miyeon, right?”

The girl nodded and squatted down beside her. Together they surveyed the prone figure of Amber lying on the ground.

“Wow, Amber must’ve been through so much…” Miyeon said hesitantly.

Krystal simply nodded as she started cutting away the rags that covered Amber’s body. It seemed impossible that they’d been captured a few days ago. How filthy could Amber have gotten? But as Krystal removed layer and layer of dirty clothing, she realized the rags were caked with blood, not dirt.

“This is bad, there’s so much bleeding—”

But Miyeon pushed her hands aside.

“Let me handle it.”

Krystal snarled and grabbed Miyeon’s wrist. Miyeon gave her a kind smile and pat on the hand.

“I was the King’s personal doctor. I joined the King’s Guard because Soyeon thought my knowledge about chemistry would prove useful as a poisoner. I promise I will do no harm and try my best to help Amber.”

Krystal didn’t move for a second more before relenting. She watched, eagle-eyed, as Miyeon carefully pulled back the neck of Amber’s tunic. They both gasped. Criss-crossing Amber’s entire body were knife wounds. Someone had taken a blade and slashed every bit of skin available. Pus and blood oozed from the open cuts. As Miyeon lightly probed around, Amber gave a hiss of pain.

“Oh! Amber! You’re awake?” Krystal cried, launching herself forward and gently holding Amber’s face.

Amber’s eyes opened. But they looked glassy, roving all over the place and not meeting Krystal’s eyes.

“I think Amber’s in a state of shock. I have something in my saddlebags that’ll help—it’s the smallest vial with blue liquid inside—hurry!”

Krystal leapt to her feet and ran