Chapter 1733

Before he finished speaking, Lily was already beside him, deftly lifting his arm with one hand and inserting the needles with the other. Her movements were so swift he barely registered the silver needles piercing his skin. Austin was astonished. The speed of it all left him momentarily speechless; he blinked, watching her hands work.

Lily remained silent, concentrating on her task. This was not her first acupuncture treatment. She had deliberately moved quickly, partly to startle him. She’d reviewed ancient medical texts and acupuncture points before arriving, and this treatment was unlike any other. Each silver needle was laced with medicine, a detail she kept from Austin. She believed revealing this might increase his anxiety. Initially tense, Austin gradually relaxed, sensing he was unharmed. As he relaxed, a warmth spread through his body, different from the burning sensation of the toxin. He felt comfortable, almost drowsy.

He closed his eyes, his mind clearing, and a feeling of weightlessness washed over him. His body unwound, and a deep sense of ease settled in. Just as sleep threatened, he mused, It seems Lily does have some tricks up her sleeve.

Then, a sharp pain lanced through his lungs, forcing a violent cough. He knew the needle needed to remain in place; movement could cause further harm. Despite his efforts to restrain himself, he couldn't.

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

He wracked his body, trying to warn Lily. She reacted instantly. Noticing his labored breathing, she swiftly withdrew her hand. The needle had not penetrated. She watched as he turned, coughing violently, as if to expel his lungs.

Dominic quickly placed a basin beneath him, just in time for a torrent of blood. Most landed in the basin, but some splattered on the floor.

"Ugh..." The coughing subsided, leaving Austin lying on his back, spent and numb. He stared at the ceiling.

"How are you feeling?" Lily remained calm, her composure unwavering.

"I feel like I've died and come back to life," Austin rasped weakly.

"Oh, it's fine. You should be fine, if you didn't die," she replied, her expression and tone devoid of emotion, yet somehow reassuring.