Against Time

The air in Bella Kelm’s workshop was thick with the scent of herbs, ink, and parchment. Soft light filtered through the small window, casting a glow over the piles of books, scrolls, and plants strewn across her desk. She sat hunched over a worn journal, quill in hand, carefully writing notes from the latest text on magical healing she had acquired. Her hand trembled slightly, and she paused to wipe her mouth with a handkerchief, already stained with spots of blood. The fits had worsened, but Bella refused to let them slow her down.

The sound of a door creaking open interrupted her concentration. Bella looked up to see her father, Thorvid Kelm, standing in the doorway of her modest study. His broad dwarf frame filled the entrance, and though his expression was gruff as always, she could see the worry in his eyes.

“Still at it, lass?” he grumbled, stepping into the room. His boots thudded against the wooden floor as he approached her desk. “You should be resting.”

“I can’t rest, Father,” Bella replied, her voice steady despite the weariness weighing down her body. “I’m so close to something, I can feel it.”

Thorvid sighed, his eyes drifting to the array of strange plants and vials on the desk. He never fully understood the magic and science Bella was studying, but he knew better than to question her determination. Still, the sight of her pale face and thin frame, weakened by the unknown illness that had plagued her for years, tore at him. He had spared no expense in searching for a cure, but all efforts had been in vain.

“I’ve spoken to another healer,” Thorvid said, his voice low. “A powerful one, they say. She might have answers.”

Bella smiled faintly, appreciating the effort, but shook her head. “Father, you’ve already done so much. I don’t want to rely on more healers who don’t understand what this is. I have to figure it out myself.”

Thorvid crossed his arms, his brow furrowing. “Aye, but at what cost? You’re running yourself ragged, Bella.”

“I don’t have much time left,” she said softly, her gaze falling to the floor. “But I’m not giving up. Not yet.”

The room fell into silence, broken only by the distant murmur of voices outside the window and the creaking of the old building settling. Bella reached for a small vial on the desk, filled with a shimmering liquid she had distilled from a rare herb. She held it up, examining it in the dim light.

“This,” she said, more to herself than to her father, “could be the key. If I can get the right combination, maybe I can stop the progression.”

Thorvid’s face softened as he watched her. Bella knew that even with all his power and influence, he had done all he could, and still, it wasn’t enough. Her father wanted to protect and keep her safe, but Bella was as stubborn as he was, always determined to forge her own path.

“I won’t stop you,” Thorvid said quietly, touching her shoulder. “But promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”

Bella smiled up at him, her eyes filled with warmth. “I’ll try, Father. I promise.”

As Thorvid left the room, Bella returned to her work, her resolve burning brighter than ever. Time was against her, but she meant to fight until the very end with everything she had.


This story featured the following characters from The Alchemancer series:

Bella KelmBella KelmAdopted daughter of Thorvid Kelm.
Thorvid KelmThorvid KelmDwarven crime boss.

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