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.

between Dr. Rhys and Faith,”

jokes? Just lie down and get some rest,” Grace responded in

in bed for days. If I don’t move, I’ll fall apart. I need to get up and

she felt dizzy, and her whole

said as she

closing her eyes briefly and taking a

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

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

be able to save you once, doing it again could

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

and

added, “I don’t usually 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 sightseeing along

turned to

other’s thoughts. If it wasn’t revenge, it was likely a scheme from the Hall of

death to incite a war between the Mystic Arts Order and the Celestial Alliance. Thereby, the Hall of

Alicia suddenly exclaimed as if

few days ago, a strangely dressed person approached me and asked for directions. I caught a

at the time. But shortly after, I

“It’s possible.” Dustin nodded.

you still remember that person’s features?”