Olivia's POV
I swallowed hard and tugged the dress back over my back.
"I was born with it," I said quietly.
His eyes locked onto mine, widened slightly, full of questions he didn't know how to ask. There was something else there too—confusion… and doubt. It was like he was seeing something that shouldn't exist. Like the mark had shattered a belief he held tightly to.
He took a step back, shaking his head slowly.
"It can't be possible…" he muttered under his breath, almost like he was trying to convince himself.
Then he turned to the healer.
"Fix her ribs and treat her wounds," he said, his voice firmer now. "I'll wait over there."
The healer gave a quick nod and got back to work, her hands glowing faintly as she passed them over my injuries. I felt warmth where her energy flowed—soothing, calming. The pain in my ribs dulled, the swelling faded, and the ache in my back eased.
