Chapter 214: In a Dilemma
Chapter 214: In a Dilemma
Thomas remembered how Amanda had saved him when he was bitten by a venomous snake. Now, it was his turn to do the same.
He knew that trying to save Mary might put him in danger too, but he couldn't think about that now. Mary was hurt because of him, and he couldn't just leave her.
He bent down, bringing his face close to Mary's wound, ready to suck out the poison. But he noticed the blackness around the wound had spread even further.
The toxin seemed to have penetrated deep into her bones, making it impossible to extract. Sucking out the poison now would be useless.
Thomas's hand froze in mid-air. He knew it was too late: "There's nothing I can do."
George, hearing Thomas's words, started running around frantically, jumping up and down in distress.
His eyes were filled with anxiety and despair, and he let out low whimpers.
At that moment, Mary's condition worsened. Her face turned bright red, her cracked lips trembling as she murmured, "Water, I need water."
Her voice was weak and hoarse, a desperate plea from the depths of her soul.
Thomas frantically searched for water, but the area was bone-dry, not a drop to be found. He was beside himself with worry, watching Mary suffer, yet powerless to help. His fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, blood seeping through his fingers, but he didn't notice.
"Mary, you have to hold on. I will find a way to save you."
Thomas gripped Mary's hand tightly, his eyes shining with determination. Despite the despair in his heart, he refused to give up hope.
Mary writhed on the ground, her body twisting uncontrollably.
With each roll, she left behind a trail of dark, ominous blood, evidence of the poison ravaging her body.
Her face grew paler, almost paper-white, her lips cracked and peeling, her entire being engulfed in extreme pain and danger.
Thomas stood by, his anxiety palpable, sweat dripping from his forehead, his eyes filled with worry and despair.
His hands trembled as he paced back and forth, muttering, "What do I do? How can I save Mary?"
His mind raced, trying to recall any useful information, but he came up empty.
George stayed close to Mary, jumping and whimpering, gently tugging at her clothes with his paws, as if trying to wake her.
His eyes were full of urgency and helplessness, as if he too couldn't understand why Mary was in such a state and was deeply worried for her.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Thomas's mind like a lifeline.
George had picked many fruits earlier. If those were really Deer Fruits, they might save Mary.
With this in mind, he rushed to where the fruits were stored, grabbed a purple fruit, and held it tightly, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and hesitation.
If it could detoxify, that would be great. But if it couldn't, wouldn't he be harming her? He couldn't afford to think like that now; there was no time left.
"No other choice. Mary has to try it. If it works, I'll eat one too when she wakes up. If not..."
Thomas's voice trembled slightly, a hint of resolve in his eyes: "Then I'll die with her."
He took a deep breath, as if steeling himself, and slowly walked towards Mary. He had to try.
As he reached Mary and prepared to feed her the fruit, he hesitated again, his hand shaking, his mind torn. He had to think carefully.
The fruit was still unconfirmed. What if it was poisonous and harmed Mary instead?
But there was no time for doubt. Mary's life was hanging by a thread.
George sensed Thomas's hesitation. He came over, nudging Thomas's leg with his head, then looking at Mary, letting out low encouraging sounds.
Thomas gritted his teeth and decided to go for it. There was no other way.
He gently brought the fruit to Mary's lips, carefully prying her mouth open and squeezing the fruit, letting the juice slowly trickle into her mouth.
Mary instinctively swallowed, and as the juice entered her throat, her body shuddered slightly.
A cool sensation spread through her body, like drinking an ice-cold soda in a scorching desert, bringing a bit of relief to her burning, painful body.
Thomas watched Mary intently, not daring to blink, afraid to miss any change.
The juice slowly flowed into her body, and something miraculous happened.
Within five minutes, a hint of color returned to Mary's cheeks, no longer the deathly pale from before.
Her breathing became steady and normal, the previously erratic breaths now even and strong, her chest rising and falling rhythmically.
Her body, once cold, began to emit warmth, the flame of life rekindling within her.
After a while, a faint smile appeared on Mary's lips, as if she were lost in a pleasant dream.
Seeing this, Thomas let out a long sigh of relief, his eyes filled with joy and gratitude. He had made the right choice.
About half an hour later, Mary's eyelids fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.
Her gaze was still a bit unfocused, but when she saw Thomas's concerned eyes and George happily jumping around, clarity returned to her eyes.
"Thomas, what happened to me?" Mary asked weakly, her voice still hoarse.
Thomas quickly took her hand, saying excitedly, "Mary, you're okay! You were bitten by a snake and poisoned. You were unconscious, and I was so worried."
Mary tried to recall what had happened. When she remembered the snake bite, she shuddered: "Did you save me?"
Thomas nodded, pointing to the fruit nearby, "It was this fruit, maybe it's Deer Fruit. It saved you."
Mary looked at the fruit, her eyes filled with gratitude and relief. She knew that at the brink of death, it was Thomas and this miraculous fruit that had brought her back.
She had thought she was going to die, especially since it wasn't an ordinary snake. Thankfully, she was okay in the end.
George also came over, nuzzling Mary's face with his head, letting out happy sounds, celebrating her recovery.
The three of them, having survived the ordeal, hugged tightly in the chamber, feeling each other's warmth and relief.
Mary gave Thomas a kiss: "This is your reward."
This time, Thomas didn't refuse. He accepted it willingly, their closeness a first for them.
Mary felt dizzy, like she had a hangover, but her strength was slowly returning. She blinked and looked around.
Thomas asked, "What's wrong? Are you still feeling unwell anywhere?"