An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Brian’s face displayed confusion and embarrassment as Alicia stirred awake. Although her regaining consciousness surprised him, the bruise on his ego stung him even more.

The way Dustin and Grace eyed him only made him feel more like a fool. Now that Alicia was awake, everything he had done before seemed like a farce, and he had never felt so humiliated.

At that moment, his hatred toward Dustin and Grace reached its peak.

“Alicia, how are you feeling? Do you feel any discomfort?” Aurora asked, leaning in with concern.

“My head’s throbbing…” Alicia grimaced and massaged her temples. Then, she asked, “Why am I here? What happened?”

She felt disoriented. Her mind was shrouded in fog, and she had no memory of what had happened, which left her utterly bewildered.

“You were poisoned and in critical condition. Faith and Dr. Rhys came to your aid just in time, or you might not have made it,” Aurora recounted the harrowing experience.

Upon hearing that, Alicia’s gaze shifted to Grace, and she was surprised to see her. “Faith, what brings you here?”

“I heard about your illness and brought a skilled doctor with me. Luckily, we arrived just in time. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened.” Grace smiled faintly.

returned the smile before turning her attention to Dustin. “So, you’re Dr. Rhys? Thank you for saving my life. If you ever need anything,

acted

Looks like there’s more going on between Dr. Rhys and Faith,” Alicia teased

state, you’re cracking jokes? Just lie down

stuck in bed for days. If I don’t move, I’ll fall apart. I need to get up and move around,” Alicia insisted with a faint smile as she rose from

dizzy, and her whole

said as she supported her

her eyes briefly and taking a

passed, she opened her eyes with a smile. “Just stood up too

honest with you. The poison affecting you isn’t ordinary. It’s a potent form of voodoo,”

might be able to save you once, doing it again

had any past conflicts with someone?”

frowned and pondered before shaking her

the Combat Tournament at Sacred Wrym Summit, so I decided to join in for fun. I’ve been sightseeing along the way and

strange,” Grace remarked. She turned to Dustin, who nodded

they both understood each other’s thoughts. If it wasn’t revenge, it was likely

between the Mystic Arts Order and the Celestial Alliance. Thereby,

suddenly exclaimed as if recalling

“A few days ago, a strangely dressed person approached me and

after, I passed out. Could it