Chapter 17: Poisoning

Kieran became emotional, appearing on the verge of physically confronting Jared. Walter swiftly intervened, restraining him. "Kieran, Mr. Chance is here to treat your wife. What are you doing?"

"Don't worry," Jared replied. "Your wife is merely unconscious. She'll be fine."

Jared sat on the bed, placing a hand on the elderly woman's pulse. A surge of spiritual energy flowed from him into her. He hoped to expel a possessing spirit, but despite increasing the energy flow, she remained unresponsive.

Jared frowned. "Hmm? Could I be mistaken?" He'd initially assumed possession, intending to force out and absorb the spirit. It seemed, however, that she wasn't possessed.

After a long, silent period, Walter, noticing Jared's expression, spoke softly. "Mr. Chance?"

Josephine, overcoming her fear and curiosity about seeing a spirit, approached Jared.

A tense silence filled the room. Jared slowly withdrew his hand, sweat beading on his forehead from the exertion of his spiritual energy.

"She's not suffering from hysteria," he announced. "I'll check for other causes."

He selected a silver needle, gently inserting it into the woman's wrist and twisting it until almost fully embedded. He withdrew the needle, revealing a drop of black blood.

The sight of the black blood shocked everyone, Kieran especially. He looked worried, wanting to speak but hesitant to interrupt Jared.

Walter, equally baffled, asked, "What's going on, Mr. Chance? Black blood is unusual."

"This indicates poisoning," Jared explained. "It appears to be the cause of her mental disorder."

"Poisoning?" Walter exclaimed, turning to Kieran. "What did your wife eat before she became ill? How was she poisoned?"

Kieran frowned, considering. "She ate a simple meal after the cemetery. I ate the same thing, and I'm fine."

Walter looked to Jared for guidance.

Jared addressed Kieran solemnly. "Think carefully. Did your wife eat or drink anything after the cemetery—wild fruits, herbs? Did she touch anything?"

"N-no," Kieran replied, avoiding eye contact.

Jared, noticing the lie, sighed. Sympathetic but unable to help further, he said, "I apologize. This is beyond my abilities."

He packed away his needles, preparing to leave. Kieran panicked. Walter, also sensing Kieran's deception, snapped, "Kieran, I brought Mr. Chance to treat your wife, yet you're being dishonest? Do you want her to die?"

Kieran, conflicted, looked at his wife. Finally, he gritted his teeth. "We found something at the cemetery, and my wife brought it home."