Chapter 170

Harper’s POV

The basket of herbs was heavy against my hip. I have spent most of the day gathering herbs near the old creek, the place where the best medicinal roots grow after the last rainfall. My back ached, and I was already planning to stop by the kitchen for something warm before heading back to the healer’s sanctuary.

But then I saw my brother. He was standing near the edge of the forest, his body swaying slightly like someone caught between waking and dreaming. For a second, I thought he was just tired from patrol but then he turned his head toward me, and the look in his eyes stopped me cold.

They were blank. Unfocused.

“Damian?” I called softly.

No answer. My pulse quickened as I set the basket down and started walking toward him. His gaze flicked to me but didn’t seem to se