The Bruising of Qilwa

Firuz-e Jafari is a Sassanian blood-magic adept who has fled with their family from genocide in the mainland nation of Dilmun to the island city-state of Qilwa. Taking work at a free clinic run by a fellow healer, Firuz discovers a mysterious plague that leaves strange bruises on its victims and threatens to spark fresh violence against refugees. As they train an untrained young blood-worker and shield their sibling's own gift, Firuz must trace the disease to its source while navigating the politics of a city that resents newcomers. The novella weaves a medical mystery through questions of migration, colonial harm, and the ethics of magic.