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.

attention to Dustin. “So, you’re Dr. Rhys? Thank you for saving my life. If you ever

I acted

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

state, you’re cracking jokes? Just lie down and get some rest,” Grace responded

I’ll fall apart. I need to get up and move around,” Alicia insisted

felt dizzy, and her whole body began to

said as she

dismissed Aurora’s concern, closing her eyes briefly and taking a deep

her eyes with a smile. “Just stood up too fast and felt light-headed. Nothing

affecting you isn’t ordinary. It’s a potent form of voodoo,” Dustin stated

continued, “The person behind this is a highly skilled mystic artist. While I might be able to save you once, doing it again could be dangerous. To protect yourself, we must locate this person and either make them an ally

you recently offended anyone? Or perhaps had any past conflicts with someone?” Grace

Alicia frowned and pondered before shaking her

go out much. But I heard about the Combat Tournament at Sacred Wrym Summit, so I

remarked. She turned to Dustin,

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

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

now!” Alicia suddenly exclaimed as if recalling

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

think much of it at the time. But shortly after, I passed