Chapter 108
In the tent, both Anthony and Miles are covered in bandages, though Anthony's wound requires more treatment than Miles's. Anthony is resting on the bed, his face pale and eyes closed, while Miles sits nearby tending to his own injuries. The atmosphere is tense yet hopeful as they await further recovery.
Moments later, the doctors and healer quietly exit the tent, carrying with them dirty rags and basins of used water. Left alone, Sarah joins Miles, and together they check Anthony’s temperature, determined to keep him comfortable and ensure he doesn’t develop a fever as he fights to recover.
“Miles, how are you feeling?” asked Sarah, her voice gentle but edged with concern as she glanced between his bandaged arm and weary expression.
“Sore, but not as bad as Anthony,” Miles replied, offering a faint smile. He flexed his fingers gingerly, wincing at the movement. “I’ll manage. Just want him to pull through.”
As right now Anthony is too weak to fly back home, Sarah and Miles agree its best for him to stay put and focus on regaining his strength before making any further travel plans. They decide to monitor his condition closely and provide whatever support he needs during his recovery.
Kathy P.O.V
Kathy looked at the couple standing in front of her, her mind briefly lingering on their earnest expressions. Still, concern tugged at her heart as she remembered Anthony's fragile state. She knew she needed to return to the camp and check on him, hoping for any sign of improvement in his condition.
She took a steadying breath, then stepped forward and asked softly, “What is your name?” Her voice was calm but carried the weight of her worry for Anthony, her gaze earnest as she awaited a response.
Kathy’s question hung in the air for a moment before the young man standing across from her straightened and replied, “My name is Jamie Hunter, miss,” his tone polite but a little uncertain as he met her eyes.
Kathy studied Jamie for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully. “You and Alaze are mates. What is your plan?” she asked, her tone gentle but direct, wanting to understand his intentions and ensure both were cared for in these uncertain times.
Jamie cleared his throat, then answered quietly, “I would like to stay here with Alaze. If that is okay with you,” his words sincere as he glanced between Kathy and Alaze, seeking both permission and support.
“You are a grow adult, you can live your life. Now I must head back to the cramp to check on Anthony. You can spend time with your mate,”
“Thank you,”
Kathy just nodded and turned to head back to the camp, her mind already racing through what she needed to do next. She knew she had to gather everyone and reassure them that things were under control, and that they should all be able to return home soon. As she walked, a tiny fire fae fluttered down and landed gently on her shoulder, sensing the surge of untamed power radiating from within her—a power that Kathy herself struggled to fully restrain.
When Kathy arrived, she found everyone seated around the camp, taking a moment to rest. As soon as they spotted her, they respectfully bowed, recognizing both her presence and the energy she carried. Before she could say anything, the camp doctor approached her, his expression serious but calm, ready to deliver an update about Anthony's condition.
The doctor met her gaze and spoke in a reassuring tone, “We treated Anthony’s wound. Just keep an eye out for a fever, and if he does wake up, let me know right away.” He offered a small, confident nod, clearly attentive to Kathy’s worries but wanting to assure her that they were doing everything possible for Anthony’s recovery.
“Thank you,”
Kathy closed her eyes for a moment, summoning her witch powers with newfound confidence. With a gentle wave of her hand, a cluster of sturdy tables, bowls, and utensils appeared before the group, each piece perfectly placed as if they had always belonged there. At the center of the camp, she conjured a large fire pit with a massive cooking bowl suspended over the flames. Within moments, fresh vegetables, grains, and cuts of meat materialized, ready to be prepared, the aroma of food beginning to fill the air.
Everyone around her stared in astonishment, their eyes wide as their stomachs let out eager growls they could no longer hide. Kathy offered a reassuring smile, knowing that a good meal and comfort were what the group needed most. She reminded herself—and them—that they would have to remain at camp for a few more days, just until everyone was strong enough to travel safely again.
“Enjoy,”
“Yes, my lady,”
After sharing a quiet meal with the group, Kathy slipped away from the campfire's warmth and stepped softly into the medical tent. Inside, she found Miles and Sarah curled up together on a cot, their breathing steady and peaceful. Not wanting to wake them, Kathy carefully draped a blanket over their sleeping forms, offering a moment of silent gratitude for their presence and safety.
She crossed the tent to where Anthony lay, still pale but resting quietly. Kathy hovered near him, her heart tense as she gently pressed the back of her hand to his forehead to check for a fever. Relief washed over her when his skin felt cool, though worry lingered—he remained under the poison’s shadow, and his wound continued to resist healing. Drawing a chair close by, Kathy settled in to keep watch over Anthony, her thoughts drifting. She wondered if, from this distance, she might be able to reach out and mind-link with her mother or father for guidance and comfort, hoping for a way to help Anthony recover.
“Mom or dad can you hear me?”
Kathy is still waiting for a voice to come though the mind-link.
As Kathy focused, hoping for a connection, a gentle, familiar voice finally echoed in her mind. “Kathy, is everything all right? Everyone was waiting for the news,” Grace asked, her concern and anticipation evident through the mind-link. The warmth in Grace’s words offered Kathy a small measure of comfort, reminding her she was not alone in her worries.
"Mother, I'm happy to report that everyone is on the path to recovery. Kathy said, her words quiet but clear.
“What about Samuel and Evelyn?”
“They are dead, can you inform everyone of that. Following Samuel's poisoning of Anthony, the medical team and attending physician took all possible measures to care for him. It remains essential to closely observe Anthony for any signs of fever.
“How are you feeling?”
“I am alright, mother. It’s tricky of me trying to control my witch power right now. How is the babies?”
“They were so good they even meet their uncles,”
“Uncles?”
“Yes, we will talk about it when you and everyone get home,”
Kathy said nothing more and ended the mind-link, glancing at Anthony, her mate and the father of her children.