Before Jared could answer, a guard sprinted back clutching an ornate jade vial. Alice snatched it, uncorked the lid with reverence, and tipped a perfectly round tonic pill into palm. A rich aura spilled into the night.

“My friend, this is my prized tonic pill, swallow it and your injuries will knit in moments.” Whispers rippled through the onlookers, few had ever glimpsed such a treasure, let alone seen it given away.

Jared glanced at the glowing pill, then toward Kishor. Kishor offered a firm nod. “Accept it… She means you no harm.”

Jared murmured thanks, lifted the pill to his lips, and swallowed.

Warm, surging spiritual energy cascaded through his limbs, dulling pain and stitching torn flesh with startling speed.

“Better?” Alice asked, leaning forward like a mother hen, desperate for his approval.

“Much,” Jared replied. “Thank you, Madam Pudge…”