The disturbance caused by Eiran's unleashed magic resonated through the tranquil village, drawing the attention of nearby villagers. Among them, Rael was the first to reach the scene, his heart pounding with a mixture of shock and torment as he witnessed the bloodied body of his friend lying motionless in the field.

Fear clenched Rael's heart as he knelt beside Eiran, his voice quivering with desperation. "Eiran! No, please!" He pleaded, his hands trembling as he gingerly touched his friend's battered form, searching for any signs of life.

Tears welled up in Rael's eyes as he surveyed the extent of Eiran's injuries. The sight of his friend's blood-soaked clothes and the raw wounds that marred his once-vibrant skin struck Rael to the core.

With a voice that quivered with anguish, Rael raised his head to the heavens and cried out for help. His plea carried across the village, a desperate call that reverberated through the quiet streets. Villagers, alerted by the urgency in his voice, rushed to the scene, their faces etched with concern and worry.

Together, they formed a hasty makeshift stretcher, carefully lifting Eiran's battered body onto it. Rael refused to leave his friend's side, his grip on Eiran's hand unwavering. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered words of encouragement, promising that help was on the way, that Eiran would survive this ordeal.

The villagers, united in their determination, hurriedly carried Eiran towards the village center, where the healer's hut stood. Word of the tragedy spread like wildfire, and the village elder, along with the revered village healer, Maelis, were already awaiting their arrival.

As they reached the healer's hut, the doors swung open, revealing Maelis, her weathered face etched with concern. With practiced efficiency, she directed the villagers to lay Eiran on a nearby cot, her gentle hands carefully assessing his injuries. Her gaze met Rael's, a silent exchange that conveyed the gravity of the situation.

Maelis took a deep breath, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "Eiran's injuries are severe, but we'll do everything we can to save him," she assured them, her voice filled with determination. "Please, give us some space to work."

In the midst of the commotion, Lira arrived at the scene, her heart pounding with fear and trepidation. Her eyes widened in horror as she beheld the sight of her beloved brother, Eiran, lying motionless on the cot, his body battered and bloodied. The strength drained from her legs, and she stumbled forward, unable to tear her gaze away from the devastating sight.

Tears welled up in Lira's eyes, her voice caught in her throat as she struggled to find the words to express the depth of her anguish. "Eiran," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and sorrow. "What happened to you? How... how did it come to this?"

Rael, his eyes filled with sorrow and empathy, reached out to comfort Lira. He wrapped his arms around her trembling form, offering what little solace he could in the face of such devastation. The weight of her brother's injuries bore down on Lira, causing her to tremble uncontrollably in Rael's embrace.

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With each laboured breath Eiran took, Lira's heart clenched tighter. The fragility of life hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of how swiftly everything could change. She clung to Rael, seeking comfort and support in his unwavering presence, but her mind was consumed by a torrent of questions and uncertainties.

Memories of their childhood flashed before Lira's eyes—carefree days filled with laughter, shared secrets, and unbreakable bonds. She had always admired her older brother's strength and determination, finding solace and security in his presence. Now, seeing him so broken and vulnerable, her heart ached with a pain she had never known before.

Maelis approached Lira, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Lira, my child," she began, her voice filled with compassion. "Eiran's condition is still critical, but we are doing everything we can to stabilize him. With time, proper care, and a combination of medical practices, we can give him a fighting chance at recovery."

Lira's tear-filled eyes met Maelis', a mix of hope and fear intertwining in her gaze. "But... but what can I do?" she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "I feel so helpless, Maelis. I don't know if I can bear to lose him."

Maelis gave Lira's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Your presence and love are vital in Eiran's healing process," she assured her. "Right now, we need to focus on treating his wounds and supporting his body's natural healing abilities. We have cleaned and dressed the deep bite on his arm, administered herbal remedies to prevent infection, and applied poultices to promote tissue regeneration. Additionally, we have stabilized his broken bones and bandaged the claw cut on his chest."

Lira's hands trembled, but a newfound determination coursed through her veins. "I won't give up on him," she whispered, her voice filled with unwavering resolve. "I will be there for him, every moment, every step of the way. I want to help with his recovery. Is there anything I can do?"

Maelis smiled warmly at Lira's determination. "Your presence alone is a great source of comfort for Eiran," she replied. "You can assist us by ensuring he remains comfortable and calm, talking to him softly, and supporting his emotional well-being. We believe that a positive mindset can greatly contribute to his healing process."

Lira nodded, her heart set on the path ahead. She would be the pillar of strength that Eiran needed, guiding him through the treacherous journey of recovery.

Joran arrived at the healer's hut, his face filled with concern and worry. He quickly assessed the somber atmosphere and the sight of Eiran lying motionless on the cot. Rael, his eyes red and swollen from tears, looked up as Joran approached.

"Rael," Joran said, his voice laced with genuine concern. "What happened? How did Eiran end up like this?"

Rael's voice quivered as he recounted the harrowing events. "I found Eiran, alone in the field. He was attacked by a bear. It was a vicious fight, and Eiran... he fought with everything he had. But the bear... it inflicted terrible wounds."

Joran's brows furrowed, a mix of shock and concern etched upon his face. "Is he... is he going to be alright?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rael's eyes welled up with tears, his voice filled with anguish. "I don't know, Joran," he confessed, his voice heavy with uncertainty. "He's badly injured. It's as if his life hangs by a thread.”

Bran, the hunter who had lost his hand to the same bear, overheard their words. He had been standing nearby, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and guilt. The realization that the same creature that had taken his hand had now inflicted severe harm upon Eiran hit him with a wave of remorse.

Bran stepped forward, his voice laden with remorse and a deep sense of responsibility. "It was the same bear," he interjected, his words trembling. "The bear that attacked Eiran... It was the same one that took my hand."

Joran and Rael turned their attention to Bran, their eyes widening with a mix of surprise and concern. Rael's voice quivered as he addressed the hunter. "Bran, you mean to say... this bear has caused so much pain and suffering?"

Bran nodded, a heaviness in his heart. "I encountered it while hunting," he explained, his voice filled with regret. "I lost my hand in the struggle. I never thought it would bring harm to others. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry."

Joran's brows furrowed as he processed Bran's words, a sense of disbelief mingling with empathy. "To think that this bear has caused so much devastation... It's hard to fathom," he murmured, his voice laced with concern.

Rael's hands trembled slightly, his gaze fixed on Bran. "Bran, I can't imagine the guilt you must be carrying," he said, his voice filled with compassion. "But please know that we don't blame you. It's not your fault. We're all victims of this bear's aggression."

Bran's eyes welled up with tears, his voice choked with emotion. "I should have done more," he whispered, his words heavy with regret. "I never thought it would go on to hurt others. If only I had known..."

Joran placed a comforting hand on Bran's shoulder, offering solace in his touch. "Hindsight is a cruel companion," he said, his voice gentle. "But now, our focus must be on Eiran's recovery."