HEIRS OF THE HIDDEN FLAME

ABDUCTING OF JOSH 2

The wounded man gasped as the magic took hold, his muscles tensing with the shock of the healing process. But Nathan's grip remained firm, his determination unyielding.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the wound began to close. The torn flesh knitted itself back together, the jagged edges smoothing into seamless skin. The pain faded, replaced by a sense of warmth and vitality.

And then, with a final surge of energy, the wound vanished entirely, leaving behind only a faint scar as a testament to the ordeal. The wounded man's eyes fluttered open; his gaze was clouded with confusion.

"You're going to be alright," Nathan said, his voice soft but reassuring. "We've got work to do."

As the wounded man struggled to sit up, Nathan turned his attention to Josh. With a sense of grim satisfaction, he approached Josh, his footsteps echoing in the silence of the clearing.

Josh stirred, his eyelids fluttering as consciousness began to return. His eyes flickered open, wide with fear and confusion, as h