Chapter 22

Aisha's POV I had packed light. A few medical books, some essentials, nothing that would weigh me down. I wasn't planning to stay at the Neutral Hospital forever, after all. Just long enough to do my part, to help the wounded, and then... then I would figure out what came next. Emma stood beside me, fidgeting with the sleeves of her sweater. When I turned to her, she suddenly threw her arms around me in a tight hug. "Emma—" She pulled back, smiling, but I could see the shimmer of tears in her eyes. She was holding back. "Don't do that," I murmured, brushing her cheek lightly. "Don't act like I'm walking into my grave." Her lips quirked up in a small, sad smile. She raised her hands, signing quickly. You promise you'll come back? I exhaled, nodding. "Of course. I still have to teach you medicine, don't I?" Her smile widened, and this time, the sadness in her gaze lessened. The warriors had gathered as well, murmuring their farewells. A few of them urged me to stay safe, while others pou