The infirmary was probably the least decorated building in the entire village. Checkered lament floors, whitewash cement walls, and irritating fluorescent lights that buzzed now and again. The odor was the same as in every medical environment…sterile and pungent, with lingering notes of bleach and floor cleaner.

The scent burned Jaxx’s nose as she sat and waited for the doctor to finish his report. He was a nice enough man, she thought. Serious, a bit dull, but he had a kind ...