Chapter 57

Freya adored her brother. At that moment, she didn't seem like the arrogant star people talked about online.

“I’m still busy. Let’s plan to grab dinner when I have some free time,” Odalys said softly.

Hearing that Odalys was busy, Freya didn’t press her. “Alright, just send me a WhatsApp when you’re done. Bye.”

Once the call ended, Odalys immediately began working with the herbs. She grabbed a nearby bottle, tore off the paper charm, and mixed the herbs with snake gall.

When she saw the powdered herbs enveloping the snake gall, she stood up and took a small container of magic dust. Drawing a circle in the air, she quickly wrote a series of characters, then whispered, “Rise.”

The bottle containing the poison and herbs floated into the air; the paper charm ignited it into a blazing fire.

A pungent medicinal scent filled the air, and half an hour later, the bottle dropped to the ground. Odalys swiftly caught it. Looking at the pill formed from the paper charm, she turned toward the door.

Dorian stood nervously outside, waiting. As soon as he saw her, he hurried over and softly asked, “Is there anything I can help with?”

Odalys glanced at Dorian, noting his eager expression. “Did you get your CT scan?” she asked, her lips curling into a half-smile.

Dorian, slightly embarrassed, scratched his head. He quickly pulled out the CT scan and handed it to her, saying excitedly, “Mrs. Stewart, you were right. I went for the CT scan, and it turns out I have kidney stones.”

“The doctor said they’re small stones, scattered everywhere. It’s probably hard to treat, and they’re worried that after using lasers, they’ll just come back.” Dorian swallowed hard. He felt panicked. When he received the CT results, he had been completely dazed. If Odalys hadn’t reminded him, the small stones would have grown larger, eventually pressing on his kidneys. Left untreated, it could have become life-threatening.

“It’s okay. I’ll prescribe some medication tomorrow. After a few days, the stones should pass,” Odalys said softly.

Dorian was taken aback. “Really? Thank you so much, Mrs. Stewart!” His eyes welled up with emotion. After hearing the doctor’s words and realizing the pain he would endure, especially at his age, Dorian nearly broke down. Kidney stones were tough to handle. With good luck, a single laser treatment could suffice; with bad luck, it might require several, damaging his body over time.

“Come see me tomorrow at noon,” Odalys said, cutting off his thoughts. She turned toward Percival’s room and knocked. The door opened.

Odalys stepped inside, noticing the door was ajar. Clearly, Percival had left it that way for her. “Percival,” Odalys called softly. She could vaguely hear muffled groans—low, strained sounds as if he were trying to suppress some emotion. The noises grew clearer as she approached.

Chapter 57 (continued)

Odalys pushed open the door to see Percival standing at the sink, his arms braced against the basin. The veins on his arms were bulging. It was obvious he was fighting intense pain. But the pain surged like a tidal wave, gnawing at every nerve, roaring to overpower him. Veins popped up on his skin, growing larger as though they might tear through it. Eventually, a blood vessel burst.

“Pfft!” A stream of blood rushed from his throat, splattering onto the mirror.

The bright red blood slid down the mirror, dripping onto Percival’s hand, contrasting sharply with his skin. The sight was eye-catching and unsettling.

Percival raised his eyes, staring at the mirror where Odalys’ reflection was visible. He quickly turned to look at the door. He hadn’t noticed when Odalys had entered, but she was now standing beside him.

Percival hastily wiped the blood from his mouth, suppressing the agony. His eyes narrowed slightly, but his voice softened remarkably. “Why did you get here?” he asked in a low, raspy voice. Odalys had said eleven o’clock, and it was only ten.

Odalys frowned, reached out, and grabbed his arm, turning his body toward her. She could see the poison moving under his skin, already spreading.

“The poison has already taken effect. Why didn’t you come find me?” Odalys’ voice carried a hint of surprise. She could hardly believe that someone could be so powerful, even with the poison spreading, and still maintain their composure. If it were anyone else, they would likely be writhing in pain, possibly losing their sanity. But Percival had not. Having practiced medicine for years, this was the most enduring person Odalys had ever seen.

“You said eleven o’clock. I didn’t want to disturb you,” Percival replied in a hoarse voice. As he spoke, another gush of blood surged from his throat. He tried to hold it back, but a trickle leaked from the corner of his mouth.

Dorian, who had been standing behind, was horrified. “Mr. Stewart!” he rushed forward, alarmed. Though Dorian had seen Percival on the brink of death multiple times, the sight still pained him. Percival was like a child he had cared for, though not related by blood.

“Dorian, turn on the water,” Odalys said quietly. Dorian, stunned, reacted quickly, turning on the faucet. Odalys quickly took the pill she had prepared and placed it in Percival’s mouth.

The bitter taste made Percival frown, but he swallowed it. As soon as the pill went down, Odalys placed a hand on his chest and gave it a firm slap.

“Pfft!” Percival felt his chest churn, and another stream of blood burst from his mouth. Odalys held him up and pushed him into the bathtub. His large body fell into the water with a splash, soaking her nightgown halfway. She pressed him down, her fingers gliding across his arm, then pressing firmly on the side of his neck, slitting open a vein.

Fresh blood started to pour out, and Dorian watched in shock. He had never expected Odalys to allow Percival’s blood to flow like this.

“If you trust me, then you should leave now,” Odalys said, sensing Dorian’s hesitation.

Dorian clenched his fists. After a few seconds, he quickly turned and walked toward the door. Just as he was about to close it, he glanced back and saw the bathtub filled with blood.

Dorian’s eyes were red with tears. He stood frozen outside the door, not daring to move, as the metallic smell of blood filled the air. “Mr. Stewart, you have to be alright. God, please, please keep Mr. Stewart safe,” he whispered, his eyes squeezed shut.