Misha watched Tabitha and Alma walk away, her anger flaring up again.
She glared at the back of Tabitha's head and instinctively touched her red cheek.
Growing up, she had never been treated like this. The humiliation filled her heart with resentment.
"Once Derek's poison is neutralized, I'll make them pay", she vowed silently.
Alban, seeing the hatred in Misha's eyes, felt a chill.
He knew Misha's background—her family's influence was no secret. He'd brought her here out of concern for Derek's blood type.
Having watched Misha and Derek grow up, he was well aware of their temperaments.
Given Misha's current state, he feared she would cause more trouble.
So, he tried to persuade her again, "Look, things are under control here. It's not proper for a young lady like you to stay. I'll have someone escort you out."
"I'm not leaving, Dr. Weaver. I'm staying to take care of Derek!" Misha said stubbornly, turning her head away.
She had always been this headstrong.
Then, she quickly added, "Don't worry, Dr. Weaver, I won't act on impulse anymore."
But inside, Misha was plotting revenge.
Her venomous gaze was noticed by Hedwig, who stood on the bamboo tower from a distance.
Though young, Hedwig was mentally far beyond her years, with an maturity in her eyes that belied her age.
Though she couldn't speak, she understood human nature better than anyone.
At this moment, she sensed the malice in Misha's eyes.
With a quiet gesture, a hawk descended as if summoned, landing on the railing before her and submitting to her touch.
Alvin witnessed this and noticed the look in Hedwig's eyes as she watched Misha—it was the gaze of an experienced and superior predator surveying its prey.
Even the mighty hawk, known as the king of the skies, became docile before Hedwig, lowering its head for her to stroke.
Alvin shuddered. The ancient and peculiar village seemed to grow more mysterious by the moment, especially this little girl, who was positively unnerving.
He recalled how everyone in the village had treated Hedwig with utmost respect upon his arrival, as if she held some special status.
Seemingly sensing Alvin's gaze, Hedwig slowly shifted her focus from Misha to Alvin.
For a moment, their eyes met, and a strong sense of menace enveloped Alvin.
He felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were in the presence of a sovereign ruler, the pressure making it hard to breathe.
Yet, after just a glance, Hedwig turned and left, following the direction in which Tabitha had gone.
Tabitha made her way to the medicinal spring, where she had soaked for over three years.
Whenever Derek was away, she would come here.
Now, she skillfully removed her clothes and mask, then slid into the water like a nimble fish.
The moment she entered the water, she could feel the changes in her body. The tumors that had once plagued her were gone, and the wolfsbane in her system was kept at bay.
The spring seemed to possess magical properties, not only nourishing her body but also healing her previously injured wrist.
As long as she was in the village, she would visit the spring daily to enjoy its soothing and tranquilizing effects.
She lay comfortably by the pool, closed her eyes, and began to rest.
The temperature of the spring was perfect, neither too cold nor too hot, making it ideal for a light nap.
Nearby, Hedwig quietly picked flowers. During Tabitha's absence, Alma had cultivated several new herbs around the spring, which would soon sprout from the soil.
The climate here was pleasant, with flowers blooming all year round, creating a beautiful landscape.
Hedwig carefully crafted a flower garland and gently placed it on Tabitha's head.
Tabitha seemed to sense something and slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw were Hedwig's beautiful green eyes.
No matter when she looked into them, they were so captivating that one couldn't look away.
Every time Tabitha looked at Hedwig, she felt that keeping her was the best decision she had ever made, filled with affection and protectiveness for the little girl.
Tabitha lay comfortably by the pool, gently lifted her hand, tenderly stroked Hedwig's head, and her face lit up with a gentle smile as she softly said, "Good girl, Mommy needs a little sleep."
Her eyes were full of tenderness, and her voice was exceptionally soft, as if, in that moment, the entire world became peaceful and beautiful.
At this moment, her heart was filled with exhaustion and love for Hedwig. Having been sleep-deprived for several days, she was extremely tired and desperately needed this moment of rest.