Derek rose to leave but, with blurred vision, nearly tripped on the doorframe. Tabitha steadied him just in time.
"This isn't your grand villa. Until you're familiar with the surroundings, stay put. The last thing I need is to set your bones again if you fall," she said.
"Sorry," he murmured.
Tabitha guided him forward, her grip gentle. "I won't fault a patient for clumsiness. Take your time," she said.
Alvin noticed their linked hands and, recalling Derek's request to investigate Hedwig's age, pieced together the puzzle.
A faint smile flickered across his lips, which he quickly replaced with a look of concern when Tabitha glanced his way.
"Am I overthinking?" Tabitha shook her head.
Rolf continued his dramatic lament, "If anything happens to her, I'll be held responsible! I'm still young and haven't even had a girlfriend yet."
Tabitha, without turning back, said, "A few days' rest will set her right."
She realized Misha's background must be significant. Should anything happen to her, even Derek might face repercussions. Yet, she maintained her composure as she led Derek to the back mountain.
The journey was serene, with warm breezes, birdsong, and babbling streams easing Derek's earlier tension.
He spoke up, "This place must be stunning."
"Yes, it's quite beautiful," Tabitha agreed.
"Pity I can't see it."
"Your eyeballs have been corroded by the wolfsbane. Both your retina and cornea are severely damaged. Recovery could take a very long time. You need to be mentally prepared," Tabitha explained.
Derek's thoughts wandered. If it meant being with her, he could endure a lifetime of blindness.
Feigning distress, he said, "That's a problem."
"What's wrong?" Tabitha asked.
"Rolf and Alvin are my key men. With news of my poisoning out, things outside must be in chaos. I need them to handle things. If they stay here, my operations will grind to a halt," Derek explained.
Tabitha understood Rolf and Alvin's critical role.
Derek's poisoning had likely become public knowledge, and in his current state, he was powerless to manage affairs.
"Stay here for detoxification. It's safe, and no one will harm you," she said.
"Once they leave, I'll be blind and helpless. I suppose I'll have to trouble you for care," Derek replied.
"As a doctor, it's my duty to care for patients," Tabitha said, calculating that detoxification would take only twenty days.
By then, Derek could return home for self-care without causing her significant delay.
Unnoticed by Tabitha, the corners of Derek's mouth curled upward.
Before entering the cave, Derek told Alvin, "You heard me. I must stay for detoxification. It's chaotic out there. You lead the team to handle things. Since Misha is fine, take her back too."
Alvin's face twitched—Derek was clearly prioritizing his love interest over his brothers-in-arms, eager to shoo them away to spend time alone with Tabitha.
"Yes, Alpha Derek. I'll leave Spike to relay messages."
The village lacked internet, so pigeons were the only means of communication.
"Alright. Don't reveal my whereabouts," Derek instructed.
"Understood," Alvin replied.
Alvin knew Derek's orders were more about wanting privacy than actual work.
But if Derek and Tabitha could reconcile, it would be a win for everyone.
He tactfully excused himself.
As Tabitha stoked the fire, she realized she'd dismissed her only helper.
Without Alvin, how would Derek change?
She couldn't summon birds like Hedwig to assist.
Well, she told herself, he's just a patient.
"Take off your clothes," she said.
"Turn around," Derek insisted, pretending blindness.
"With your physique, do you think I care?" Tabitha crossed her arms and tilted her head.
She heard Derek mutter, "It's more than that."
Tabitha blushed—was he always this flirtatious?
"Done," he announced.
It was Alvin who guided Derek usually. He now could only relied on Tabitha.
She avoided direct eye contact and extended her hand, "Give me your hand."
She led him by the fingers, and Derek docilely followed her into the tub.
Detoxification had always been tough, but knowing Tabitha was near now sweetened the ordeal.
Unaware of his thoughts, Tabitha gathered herbs, crushed them with a mortar and pestle, and prepared eye drops.
After an hour in the tub, Tabitha called him out. Steam rose from his body as he stepped down the ladder, his damp hand grasping hers.
She led him to the pool. "Soak a bit longer. Your robe is here," she said.
"Thanks," he replied, quickly withdrawing his hand as if burned.
Though she knew he preferred privacy, Tabitha felt a pang of loss.
She squatted by the pool with the herbal juice. "Come here," she called.
Derek swam over like a fish.