"Like an Ant in a Hot Pan (2).."

Isabel hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully as she navigated the delicate balance between truth and discretion. "My acquaintance," she began cautiously, "has expertise in rare alchemical formulations. They have a knack for sourcing ingredients that others deem inaccessible." She paused, hoping her explanation would satisfy General Thorne's inquiry without revealing too much.

General Thorne leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing perceptibly. "And how did you come to possess such a potion in the first place? Surely, these elixirs are not freely given, even among friends."

Isabel's mind raced as she formulated her response, acutely aware of the scrutiny bearing down upon her. "It was a gesture of gratitude," she replied earnestly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "I once saved his life, and in return, he entrusted me with this precious potion as a token of his appreciation."

There was a moment of silence, broken only by the faint crackle of the fireplace in the corner of the room. General Thorne regarded Isabel with a contemplative gaze, as if weighing her words against some unspoken measure of truth. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, his expression softening imperceptibly.

"Very well, Isabel," he said evenly, his voice carrying a hint of acknowledgment. "I appreciate your effort. However, do remember that matters of rare elixirs and their procurement are not to be taken lightly. Such knowledge can be as perilous as the creatures it seeks to subdue."

Isabel nodded respectfully, acknowledging General Thorne's warning. "Of course, General. I understand the sensitivity of such matters."

General Thorne's gaze remained steady, his demeanor thoughtful. "Is there a way to contact this acquaintance of yours?" he inquired, his tone implying both a request and a command.

Isabel hesitated momentarily, weighing her response. "I'm afraid he prefers to remain anonymous," she replied carefully. "He doesn't usually meet with others directly. Our interactions are rare and discreet."

The general frowned slightly at this answer, clearly not entirely satisfied. "I see," he murmured, more to himself than to Isabel. "Given the rarity of this potion, its potential value to our efforts cannot be overstated."

Isabel took a deep breath, preparing for whatever might come next.

"If you ever come across more of such potions, consider informing the military first," General Thorne continued. "It is our military that saves thousands of lives and keeps our kingdom safe from monsters and other threats. Access to such remedies could significantly bolster our efforts."

Isabel only nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She kept quiet as General Thorne launched into a lengthy lecture about the importance of supporting the military and the vital role such potions could play in their defense strategy. She listened intently, maintaining her composure, even as the minutes dragged on.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, General Thorne allowed her to leave. Isabel took a deep breath as she exited the tent, feeling the weight of the conversation lift off her shoulders. The fresh air outside was a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere within.

As she walked away, she felt General Kaldor Kyriakidis' piercing gaze following her. If she had known that this potion would cause her so much trouble and thrust her into the limelight, she would have thought twice before giving it to him.

To her, it was just a normal potion she had made, something she didn't hesitate to share. But she had forgotten that in the wider world, there were not many healers capable of creating such potent remedies. Apart from the fairy clan, who had a natural affinity for potion-making due to their closeness to nature and herbs, few others possessed such skill. However, the fairies lived in seclusion and rarely mingled with other races.

Elara, her mentor, had warned her from a young age about revealing her exceptional talent in potion-making. She had told Isabel that doing so would make her a target for numerous people seeking to exploit her abilities.

Isabel sighed, the weight of Elara's warnings pressing down on her as she made her way back to her quarters. She would need to tread carefully from now on, ensuring that her gift remained a secret known only to a trusted few.

The thought of keeping such a significant part of herself hidden from all but a trusted few filled her with a mix of fear and sadness. This wasn't the life she had envisioned, but she realized now more than ever the importance of caution.

~~~~~~~~

As the days passed, Isabel settled into a routine of tending to the healer camp and aiding in the potion preparations.

The situation at the North border showed signs of improvement: the frequency of monster waves had diminished, and the efforts to rebuild the destroyed camps were progressing well. The injured were slowly recovering, thanks to Isabel's potions and the dedication of the healers.

Yet, despite the apparent normalcy returning to the camp, Isabel couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. It persisted since the day General Thorne summoned her. Whenever she ventured beyond her camp, the sensation intensified, as if unseen eyes followed her every move. It made her uneasy but also cautious.

She speculated that perhaps General Thorne had stationed watchers to keep an eye on her, either to verify her story or to ensure she didn't possess any more potent potions that could sway the war effort.

If that were the case, Isabel reasoned, they would find nothing more. Her interactions were limited to healing and assisting, and any potions she crafted were basic remedies she openly shared with the healers.

In moments of peace, Isabel reflected on her mentor Elara's warnings about revealing her exceptional talents. She understood now the wisdom in keeping her abilities secret, not just for her safety but also to prevent unwanted attention. The thought of being scrutinized unsettled her, but she found comfort in her dedication to healing and helping those in need.

Each day, she woke early to check on the patients, ensuring their recoveries progressed smoothly. She would spend the daylight hours gathering herbs and ingredients, replenishing her supplies and honing her skills. Evenings were dedicated to preparing meals and sharing stories with the healers.