The physicians' quarters erupted into a flurry of activity. 

Kallias, Rad, and the royal aide walked in and saw Brad kneeling beside the wounded chief guard while two physicians carefully snapped the arrow shaft protruding from his back.

"Hold him still." 

The guard groaned weakly as another physician poured a steaming herbal mixture over the wound. 

The smell of wolfsbane filled the room. 

Brad's face darkened. "They laced the arrow with wolfsbane." 

The royal aide stood nearby, his brows knitted together. 

"Will he survive?" 

Brad hesitated before answering. 

"If the poison hasn't spread too far." 

Kallias stepped forward without a word, and the room fell silent immediately. Every physician bowed...