An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

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.

“That’s very thoughtful of you.” Alicia 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, just let me know.”

“No need to thank me. I acted at Faith’s behest,” Dustin replied promptly.

on between Dr. Rhys

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

don’t move, I’ll fall apart. I need to get up and move around,” Alicia insisted with a faint smile as she

felt dizzy, and her whole

easy,” Aurora said as

Alicia dismissed Aurora’s concern, closing her eyes briefly

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

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

you once, doing it again could be dangerous.

had any past conflicts with someone?” Grace

and

go out much. But I heard about the Combat Tournament at Sacred Wrym Summit, so I decided to join in for fun. I’ve been

She turned to Dustin,

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

to incite a war between the Mystic Arts Order and

I remember now!” Alicia suddenly exclaimed as if recalling

her voice and said, “A few days ago, a strangely dressed person approached me and asked for directions. I caught a

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

“It’s possible.” Dustin nodded.

that person’s features?”