Third person's POV
A cold female voice cut through the tension, "One more tear and you're out. You're deafening."
Misha's open mouth froze mid-sob, the comical expression plastered on her face.
She glanced around, finally noticing the unfamiliar woman in the room. "Who is she?" she demanded.
"This is the miracle doctor who can save Alpha Derek. Show some respect," Rolf warned, wary of Misha's infamous temper flaring up again.
Despite her pride, Misha's love for Derek was genuine.
She quickly composed herself. "Of course, Doctor. I entrust my Derek to you," she said, the possessive words slipping out before she could catch them.
Rolf's eyebrow twitched. Since when was Derek "hers"?
Alma appeared in the doorway. "You're back."
"Yes," the woman replied, her tone neutral.
"Let me introduce everyone. These folks are here for treatment. The young man's poisoned—Nine-Heart Wolfsbane, nearly dead. The hysterical one's his fiancée." Alma emphasized the last word with a pointed look.
The woman acknowledged this with a nod. "Understood. Carry him to the back cave. Hedwig, lead the way. I'll prepare what we need."
Her brisk efficiency left no room for argument. Everyone scrambled to obey, afraid she might change her mind.
As the group moved, the woman retreated to change clothes. Alma followed her inside. "You look exhausted—must've rushed straight here."
"Hadn't seen Hedwig in ages. Missed her," she said, her movements pausing briefly as she pulled on a coarse linen dress identical to Hedwig's, the only adornment a strand of five-colored silk thread.
"Missed her or missed your ex-husband?" Alma pressed.
The woman stilled.
"Thought so," Alma continued. "He's the spitting image of your ex. The twins take after him too—Ayla's eyes, Helios's temper. I figured it out the moment he walked in."
"Yes. He's my ex-husband," Tabitha confirmed, her face still masked.
She changed into the same coarse linen dress as Hedwig, the only ornament on her a strand of five-colored silk thread.
Over three years had passed, and her hair, now longer, was casually pinned up with a wooden hairpin.
"You've seen for yourself—he has a fiancée. Clearly, he's moved on. In my opinion, a heartless man like him isn't worth saving," Alma said sharply.
"Alma, I know you're looking out for me. But he's the father of my children. Even if he and I can't be together, the children are innocent. I don't want them to grow up without a father. We've been separated for years; it's only natural for him to remarry," Tabitha replied calmly, her voice steady despite the weight of the past.
Alma sighed, handing over a blood analysis report. "Use this. Young people's dramas aren't my business."
"Thank you," Tabitha said softly, offering a box of chocolate.
"For you."
Alma's eyes lit up. "Now we're talking. When are you taking me skiing again? I'm bored stiff in this camp."
Tabitha smiled faintly. "After I save him."
She gathered her medical supplies with practiced efficiency.
Years had transformed her into a calm, unflappable expert—world-class in toxicology, thanks to Alma's mentorship and the abundant resources of Pine Ridge Town.
Alma taught Tabitha everything about medicine without holding back.
Tabitha had a real knack for antidotes and was already a top expert in the field.
Grabbing what she needed, Tabitha hurried to the cave.
At the cave entrance, Misha's sobs echoed.
Tabitha paused, noting the desperation in the woman's voice. Rumor had it Misha had pined for Derek for years—their families were equally prominent, their circles intertwined, even their blood types matched. Perhaps Misha was the perfect match for him after all.
Tabitha stepped inside, her presence immediately silencing the room. Misha dropped to her knees. "Doctor, please! I share his blood type. Use mine. I'll do anything to save him."
Tabitha glanced at her coolly. "Silence. Leave. I'll call you if needed."
"But—"
Tabitha's gaze swept the others. "Alvin stays. The rest, out. Don't interfere."
Misha hesitated, then retreated to the doorway, peering back every few seconds.
Hedwig, disliking Misha intensely, produced a short flute and played a single note.
A massive crimson snake materialized, coiling menacingly at the entrance.
The semi-open cave allowed sunlight and moonlight to stream through a crack above, illuminating a small clear pool fed by underground volcanic springs.
Rare plants thrived around it, infusing the water with healing properties.
The cave now held just three people, equipped with basic medical tools and a large wooden tub that looked like something from an ancient TV drama.
Derek lay on a animal skin, deathly pale but for the faint rise and fall of his chest.
The wolfsbane hadn't reached his heart—not yet.
Carved from millennium-old wood, the tub itself had natural detoxifying properties. Combined with the spring water from the area, its healing potential was significantly enhanced.
Tabitha lit a fire beneath the ancient wooden tub, its surface etched with runes. "Fill the tub with spring water," she instructed Alvin.
"Yes, Doctor," he replied, already grabbing buckets.