Chapter 37

Sloane checked her bag for the third time, fingers brushing over neatly packed vials, notes, and tools. The faint herbal scent clung to her skin, a reminder of sleepless nights preparing. With Ethan at her side, she headed into the competition hall. The air was thick with energy. Doctors and healers from every pack and city hospital had gathered, their scents clashing, iron, antiseptic, adrenaline. Conversations rippled through the crowd like low growls. “Did you hear? They’re broadcasting this one. Live across packs.” “And guess what? A celebrity’s competing.” “Celebs? What the hell do they know about medicine?” “Publicity stunt, for sure. These contests barely make money, unless you draw outsiders in.” “No, I heard it’s Lyra. She used to be a healer-in-training before she went chasing cameras.” The name sent a flicker of irritation through Ava, but she forced her features smooth. Gossip wasn’t her concern. Not today. She focused instead on confirming the list of judges and the prize