Chapter 287

Harper’s POV

The moment I stepped into the healing chambers, something felt off. The air carried its usual scent, rushed herbs, warm oils, faint smoke from dried roots burning slowly in the corner. It should have been calming. But today, it sat heavy on my chest like a warning I couldn’t quite hear yet.

I slowed my steps. My eyes scanned the room instinctively. Then I saw Eli standing by the far table, her back half-turned to me, her fingers wrapped around a porcelain cup. Steam curled up lazily from it, thin and quiet, while she stirred the contents with a small silver spoon.

I didn’t speak immediately. I just watched. Then she reached into her sleeve and dropped something into the tea.

My heart skipped. My body moved before my mind fully caught up. “What did you just put in that?” My voice cut through the room sh