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.

Alicia returned the smile before turning her attention to Dustin. “So, you’re Dr.

me. I acted at Faith’s behest,” Dustin

on between Dr. Rhys and Faith,” Alicia

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

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

she felt dizzy, and her

it easy,” Aurora said as she

Aurora’s concern, closing her eyes

dizziness passed, she opened her eyes with a smile. “Just stood up too fast and felt

Marshall, I need to be honest with you. The poison affecting you

you once, doing it again could be dangerous. To protect yourself, we must locate this person and either make them an ally or

anyone? Or perhaps had any

and pondered before shaking her

at Sacred Wrym Summit, so I decided to join in for fun. I’ve been

strange,” Grace remarked. She turned to

If it wasn’t revenge, it was likely a scheme from the Hall of

to use Alicia’s death to incite a war between the Mystic Arts Order and the Celestial

I remember now!” Alicia suddenly exclaimed

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

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