Once Upon a Wolf

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

The small room of the tiny cabin was bathed in warm light with a subtle scent of herbs. It hosted a single bed covered in white sheets. I sat upright with my injured ankle on a pillow, elevating it. A middle-aged woman popped an icebag wrapped in cloth to reduce the swelling.

I winced as my face contorted in pain. Gripping my leg firmly, the woman steadied it as it jerked in response to the pain.

"You need to be still," the old woman said. "Can't handle pain too well, huh?" Her gaze surveying me. But what caught me off-guard were her eyes. It was strange and I had never seen such a color. Purple glistened like gemstones with dark heavy eyeliner beneath. I couldn't help but study her deep purple eyes. "I know it hurts," she said. "Especially for you."

My brows weaved together, grimacing at her bizarre statement. Jeez, did I look like a fragile China doll or something? Are these people all tough and powerful? The woman's comment secretly grinding me.

Alice stood by my bedside, holding my left shoulder. Her face etched with concern as she smiled weakly at me. Mike leaned against the door with his arms folded, giving me a cheeky wink that I coughed out a painful laugh.

"It appears to be a sprain, child." She said with a puckish grin. Her wrinkly hand moved her long, grey hair, slithered with silver and black to the side. "The ice will help ease the swelling and numb the area, relieving some of the pain. You can let me know if it feels too uncomfortable, and I'll adjust the pressure." She smiled coyly that I gulped.

I nodded appreciatively. "Thanks." As the cold compress took effect, I began to relax.

"This is Serafina," Mike said. "She's the one we go to for injuries and illnesses."

"So, you're a doctor or nurse?" I asked and looked up at Alice, who chewed on her left thumbnail.

The woman named Serafina chuckled, that sounded more like a croak. "Something like that, hun."

I blinked three times. Was I supposed to call her doctor or what?

"While you wait for the swelling to subside. You must wear a supportive brace for a few weeks to stabilize your ankle. It helps your kind protect it during your long healing process," she said.

Serafina waltzed to an old wooden chest and opened it up. Her long multi-colored beads shimmied against each other around her neck. She dug into the chest, crouching low, searching for something. Her arm extended as she rolled her eyes, annoyed at the extensive search.

"Ah uh!" she yelled. "Here it is." She pulled out a brace. It was old and dusty as she blew off the excess dust. "Sorry, it hasn't been used for years." She said and walked up to me, placing the brace roughly on my ankle. I winced when she clasped it shut and positioned it in an attempt to make me comfortable.

"Pain happens often around here. You better handle it, my girl." She smacked her forehead. "But then again I forget sometimes how delicate you are." She nodded sympathetically.

I gave a stiff smile as Alice helped me gingerly up to my feet. Serafina's purple gaze followed attentively. I wont lie, the old doctor woman unsettled me.

"Unfortunately, I don't have pain medication that will suit you. It's usually not requested from me," Serafina said. "You have to go up to town for that."

"Shit, the closest town is miles away." Mike huffed with a snarl.

"No, it's okay, Mike." Alice smiled. "I got pain killers. I packed it in with me."

"You do?" I asked.

Alice shrugged. "Yeah, you never know for headaches and stuff."

"Oh, I forgot," Serafina said and moved swiftly across the floorboards to a closet settled in the corner. She opened it with a loud creak and dug inside once more, mumbling to herself as she searched aggressively, throwing items aside from right to left. I frowned as she emerged with a smile and one old crutch in her hand.