A STEP FORWARD

**ALIVIA POV**

The next morning Vasil came to my room saying that Dr. Volkov is waiting for me in the courtyard. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the packhouse as I hurriedly dressed, my heart racing with anticipation. Vasil's unexpected visit filled me with a sense of urgency, and I wasted no time in making my way to the courtyard where Dr. Volkov awaited.

As I stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted me, invigorating my senses with its refreshing embrace. The courtyard was bathed in golden light, the tranquility of the dawn casting a peaceful ambiance over the surroundings.

In the distance, I spotted Dr. Volkov standing beneath the shade of a towering oak tree, his commanding presence drawing me towards him like a magnet. With each step, my anticipation grew, a flurry of emotions swirling within me.

As I approached, Dr. Volkov turned to face me, my eyes met his determined gaze, a sense of urgency palpable in the air.

"Alivia," he began, his voice steady but tinged with an undercurrent of frustration, "I spoke to Council Member Cedric and Seraphine. They both believe you're ready to start healing patients."

His words caught me off guard, a rush of conflicting emotions surging within me. On one hand, I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of finally putting my abilities to use, of making a tangible difference in the lives of those who needed healing. But beneath the surface, a flicker of doubt gnawed at me, a lingering uncertainty that I couldn't shake.

Dr. Volkov's demeanour betrayed his inner turmoil, his irritation simmering just beneath the surface. Sensing his unease, I couldn't help but voice the question that lingered in the back of my mind.

"But... you don't think I'm ready?" I asked, my voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.

Dr. Volkov's jaw clenched tightly, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the courtyard. "It's not that," he replied, his tone measured but tinged with frustration. "I just... want to make sure we proceed with caution."

As Dr. Volkov's words hung heavy in the air, I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his concerns pressing down on me. His reservations were understandable, his dedication to the patients unwavering. I knew that despite any reluctance, his decisions were always guided by what was best for those under our care.

"I understand," I said softly, meeting his gaze with a steady resolve. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes. I won't let you down."

A flicker of emotion passed across Dr. Volkov's face, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed my words. For a moment, it seemed as though he might speak, but before he could, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted our exchange.

The carriage driver's arrival provided a timely distraction, breaking the tension that had settled between us.

"Let's go," Dr. Volkov said, his voice firm as he gestured towards the waiting carriage.

With a nod of agreement, I fell into step beside him, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to prove myself worthy of his trust and confidence.

As Dr. Volkov and I stepped into the infirmary, a buzz of anticipation filled the air, mingling with the scent of antiseptic and the soft murmurs of patients. Sarah's presence was a beacon of hope amidst the sea of illness, her dedication shining through as she tended to those in need.

My pulse quickened as Dr. Volkov's gaze locked onto the patient I had healed the day before. Seeing him sitting upright, conversing with Sarah, felt like a miracle unfolding before my eyes – tangible proof of the healing power coursing through my veins.

Dr. Volkov's expression mirrored my awe as he approached the patient, a mix of relief and disbelief flickering across his features.

"He's up and talking," Sarah exclaimed with a grin, her eyes sparkling with joy. "He's the first patient to survive the brutality of the curse."

A rush of emotion washed over me at her words, the weight of the moment settling like a comforting embrace. To know that my abilities had made a difference, that I had played a part in saving a life, filled me with an indescribable sense of purpose.

But amidst the jubilation, a flicker of uncertainty lingered in the back of my mind. This was just one success amidst a sea of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope in the face of overwhelming darkness.

As Dr. Volkov turned to me, his gaze piercing yet gentle, I knew that there was still much work to be done.

"Alivia," he began, his voice steady but tinged with urgency, "I need you to heal another patient. We need to see if your abilities can replicate yesterday's success."

His request caught me off guard, a surge of nervous energy coursing through me. But I couldn't let him down – couldn't let the opportunity to make a difference slip through my fingers.
With a silent nod, I approached the next patient's bedside, my hands steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

"Are you sure about this, Doctor?" Sarah's voice cut through the tension, her concern palpable in the air.

Dr. Volkov's unwavering gaze met hers, his determination shining through as he replied, "We need to know if Alivia's abilities can be replicated. This could be our chance to turn the tide against the virus."

I glanced at the patient lying before me, a surge of determination coursing through my veins. Despite the doubts and fears that threatened to cloud my mind, I felt a sense of clarity wash over me, as if the voice from yesterday whispered words of reassurance in my ear, urging me to believe in myself.

As I stood beside the patient, a surge of energy pulsed within me, a gentle hum resonating through my fingertips as my magic stirred to life. I closed my eyes, focusing on the warmth radiating from within, reaching out to connect with the essence of the person before me.

Slowly, I extended my hand, feeling the energy shift and swirl around me. A soft, green glow emanated from my fingertips, casting a gentle light that danced across the room.

And then, in a single moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, it happened. The air crackled with anticipation as my magic surged forth, enveloping the patient in a healing embrace.

As I opened my eyes, I saw the miraculous transformation unfolding before me. The patient's pale complexion began to flush with color, their labored breaths easing into a steady rhythm. The virus that had once ravaged their body now retreated, vanquished by the potent force of my healing magic.

As I stepped back, a sense of awe washed over me, mingled with a profound sense of gratitude.

"Amazing," Dr. Volkov murmured, his voice filled with wonder. "Absolutely amazing."

In that moment, I knew that we were one step closer to finding a cure, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope rising within me.