Chapter Eighteen
The air inside the ward felt heavy, as though the very walls bore witness to failure. Mr. Morritis’s breathing had grown ragged, his pulse faint and erratic. The silver needles lay discarded on a tray, their faint gleam a cruel reminder of what had been undone.
Catherine’s eyes brimmed with fury as she turned on Dr. Blaine Corvus. “You said removing the needles would help him. Look at him now!” Her voice cracked under the weight of grief and rage. “If he dies… this will be on you!”
The family members, who had earlier wavered, now shifted uncomfortably, their expressions darkening. Even Marco, who once questioned Adrian, stared at Dr. Corvus with thinly veiled resentment.
Dr. Corvus straightened, his composure rattled but not broken. “I warned you from the beginning. The boy’s crude methods were nothing but dangerous tricks. The decline you see now is the result of his meddling, not my intervention.”
Adrian’s gaze sharpened, but before he could speak, Catherine stepped forward, trembling with anger. “Enough! Don’t you dare twist this. We all saw the truth–my grandfather was stable under Adrian’s care until you interfered. If you had let him be, none of this would have happened!”
Her words struck the ward like a thunderclap. The silence that followed left Dr. Corvus exposed, the weight of accountability pressing down on him. His lips tightened, but no rebuttal came.
Catherine turned back to Adrian, her composure breaking, her voice raw with desperation. “Please… I was wrong before. I should have trusted you completely. I won’t make that mistake again. Adrian–save him. Please, save my grandfather!”
The young man stood quiet for a long moment, eyes locked on the old man whose life now hung by a thread. Finally, he exhaled slowly. “There may still be a chance—but it will require something dangerous, something most wouldn’t dare attempt.”
Catherine nodded without hesitation. “Tell me. Whatever it takes–we’ll do it.”
Adrian’s gaze swept across the family, weighing their resolve. Then he spoke with calm authority:
“There are certain insects… rare ones, used in ancient medicine. Ground into powder, they become catalysts strong enough to draw out the lingering curse in his body. Without them, the poison will consume him entirely.”
Marco blinked, startled. “Insects? You mean… bugs?”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Not ordinary insects. These ones are toxic in their natural state, but refined correctly, they can reverse what no herb or medicine can. They are the only chance your grandfather has.”
The family exchanged uneasy glances. Catherine’s father frowned. “And if this… catalyst fails?”
Adrian’s tone hardened. “Then nothing else will work. He will not survive another night.”
The weight of his words silenced the room. Catherine’s hands trembled, but her eyes burned with determination. ” Tell me their names. Where to find them. I’ll see to it myself if I have to.”
Adrian studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Fine. I’ll make a list. But listen carefully–the preparation must be precise. Crush them into powder, mix with water, and administer in measured doses. Even a slight mistake could turn the cure into poison.”
Catherine nodded again, resolute. “I understand.”
Dr. Corvus, who had remained silent under the storm of blane, finally spoke, his voice low and edged with
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bitterness. “You would gamble with his life using insects and superstitions? You’re condemning him.”
Adrian turned to him, his voice sharp as steel. “No. I am giving him a chance you already threw away.”
The finality in his tone silenced even Dr. Corvus.
Catherine knelt by her grandfather’s side, clutching his frai, hand. “Hold on, Grandfather. Just a little longer. Adrian will save you… I swear it.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
