Chapter 63

William Cooper jolted upright in bed, planting both feet firmly on the ground before darting to Luna White's side. "You look terrible—what's wrong?"

The room was eerily silent.

"Luna, talk to me!" William's voice trembled with urgency.

Luna's teeth chattered as she attempted a smile, her lips too stiff to move. "Your... legs..."

Only then did William glance down—he'd just walked. On his own feet.

Henry Cooper barreled forward, crushing his younger brother in a bear hug. The burly man wept like a child. "Will! Your legs—your back! It's a miracle!" He pounded William's back, tears and snot smearing his face.

William stood frozen. After years of herbalists promising gradual recovery, Luna's single treatment had him standing. His legs shook, but the long-lost strength made his eyes burn.

Thud. Both Cooper brothers dropped to their knees before Luna.

"We'll never forget this, Luna," Henry choked out, bowing his head.

Luna's lips turned blue. "H-hot water... bottle... freezing..."

Henry scrambled up. "Right! Water bottle!"

Iris White wrung out a steaming towel, tears dripping as she rubbed Luna's limbs. "Don't scare me like this..."

"S-side effect," Luna's teeth clattered. "L-low body temp... ginger tea..."

Henry returned with three rubber bottles, which Iris shoved under the blankets. Luna clutched the heat source, color slowly returning to her face.

After two mugs of spiced tea, beads of sweat dotted Luna's forehead. She flexed her fingers—the stiffness was fading.

This episode had been the worst yet. But for Iris? Worth it.

"You're sure you're okay?" Iris trembled. "You were white as parchment..."

Luna kicked off the covers. "See? Sweating means I'm recovering. Just part of the ability's cost."

Henry rubbed his hands. "I'll get you a chicken stew—"

"Henry." Luna caught his sleeve. "You housed me for four years. This is nothing. Your family's happiness is all I want."

Henry's eyes welled up again. He looked at William—the brother who'd been bedridden, now standing tall.

The Coopers would remember this debt forever.