The frown on Alexander's face deepened even more as he redialed the number and knocked on the door. It opened up just as he was about to kick the door in. To his surprise, it was Austin who was at the door.He opened the door and glanced at Alexander, standing just outside. He even looked past Alexander. Then, with a forced smile, Austin said, "Wait here. I'll bring your son to you."With that, he turned to close the door again.However, Alexander was one step ahead as he stuck his foot through the door and asked, "What the hell is going on?!""I can't tell you right now." Austin did not want to elaborate as he tried to close the door again."Then I'll go in and wait until you can! Also, didn't you say your granduncle is sick? I should at least visit him," Alexander replied. He had always been strong, so he shoved open the door."You can't go in!" Austin quickly blocked Alexander as his face turned pale with fright.He was cautious around Alexander and dared not use too much str
"The virus from my body infected them." Austin lowered his head, seeming to blame himself.It was a severe issue, so Alexander urged, "Talk while we walk!"He could not help but quicken his pace when he thought about his son. As expected, the two did not meet any servants on the way. The whole house seemed abandoned. Even the air seemed suffocating with a sense of uneasiness.Alexander observed the surroundings as they walked. The plants looked wilted, probably due to the lack of care, while the house was stuffy and humid.Alexander wore a simple protective suit but could still feel the heat. Even with the mask, he could vaguely smell the scent of the medicinal herb in the air.Although Dominic's place had always smelled of medicinal herbs, it was not as potent."Where's Galen?" Alexander looked around and asked when he did not see his son.Austin pointed upstairs and replied, "I left him in the playroom, which is the safest area now. I disinfect it at the door daily, and his me
Alexander smiled. As long as the child was safe, everything would be okay. However, he suddenly seemed to remember something and removed his glove to touch his son's forehead, neck, and cheeks.Austin felt uneasiness wash over him when he saw that. He asked anxiously, "What's wrong?""He has a fever," Alexander turned and lightly answered. His voice sounded calm, but anyone could tell he was trying to suppress his emotions.Under normal circumstances, having a fever would be nothing unusual for a child. However, this was a dangerous time, and Galen had always been in good health. Even when the plague was raging, he did not fall sick. Yet, now, he had a fever.He was sick in a house that got infected with an unknown disease. Alexander could only think of the worst as his heart sank. He carried the child out sullenly."You…" Austin was stunned for a moment before quickly returning to his senses. He watched Alexander walk by him with the child in his arms and head downstairs."Are y
“In…the herb hut in the backyard.” Austin pointed toward the backyard and added, "I'll take you there."Alexander was not in a hurry and asked, "What about the servants?""The servants are in their quarters. They've been told not to work until they’ve fully recovered. Everyone has to rest and isn’t allowed to go out." Austin did not know why he had so obediently answered Alexander's questions.Alexander nodded when he heard this. "Are those your granduncle's orders?""Yes," Austin quickly replied. Then confusion hit him. "How do you know?"Dominic was sick in bed, so one should assume Austin had been handling things around the house. Yet, somehow, Alexander immediately knew these were Dominic's orders."You're not that far-sighted," Alexander retorted with a smirk, which shocked Austin almost instantaneously.He was dissatisfied and about to defend himself when he thought about Alexander's validity. If it had not been for Dominic's orders before he passed out from high fever, Au
Galen's face was flushed as he lay there pitifully, no longer as agile as before. The sight of him angered Austin. In his moment of anger, he suddenly began slapping himself. "This is all my fault!"Alexander quickly stood up. "Don't be reckless. We don't even know what's going on yet. I'll go visit Dominic.""I'll accompany you!" Austin quickly responded. However, he immediately understood Alexander’s gaze toward Galen. "I'll stay and take care of the child.""Thank you." Alexander nodded, turned around, and walked toward the backyard.At this point, it did not matter whether or not Austin had close contact with the child. Besides, Austin showed no signs of sickness, so staying and caring for Galen was better.Alexander made a call as he walked toward the backyard. "Leave a few men here and call off the rest. Also, ensure those who leave stay home for three days and observe themselves if they have any symptoms.""Huh?" The assistant standing outside needed help understanding wha
A string of words came from Dominic's mouth, but Alexander could not determine what he was trying to say. "What did you say?"Another string of gargled words sounded. Alexander could see Dominic's mouth moving but could not hear what the older man was trying to say.Ultimately, Alexander, whose body was also wet from the splashed water, squatted beside the tub indifferently. "Old man, you…""You son of a b*tch!" Those five words were unambiguous. It was teeth-clenching clear. Although Dominic did not have much strength, his rebuke was still loud.It rendered Alexander speechless, but it was a good thing. It meant the older man's physical symptoms were not severe since he still had the strength to curse.Alexander checked the water and noticed it was warm. He looked at the equipment next to it, and it seemed no heating device was in this tub. However, the water continued to steam.It was strange as it had been a while since Austin greeted Alexander at the door until now. No matter
However, Dominic still looked meager and tired, and his voice sounded softer. It was dry and hoarse. Alexander would have missed it if not for his heightened hearing. He squatted beside the older man again and inched closer to him. “How’re you feeling?”Dominic shook his head feebly before opening his mouth and choppily muttered, "Don't…let…any…out."Although he was not speaking in complete sentences, Alexander still understood his meaning."Is it very contagious?"The older man nodded but did not answer."Will I be infected?" Alexander wondered if he could escape this calamity. After the last plague almost killed him, he did not think he would face another disaster. Despite this, none of it mattered now.If Galen had gotten infected, Alexander's fear was redundant. He must stay by his son's side to accompany and care for him."Not…sure." The older man took a deep breath before raising his arms with great effort. "Look!"Before he could lift his arm to put it out of the tub, it
Alexander's eyes widened. Something was moving in Dominic’s veins, wriggling as it moved along. It was not a hallucination, as something was squirming in the older man’s veins.The hairs on Alexander’s skin stood at the sight of this despite everything he had been through. "Old man, that’s…"If Dominic had not warned Alexander from touching him before this, he would have rushed forward to hold Dominic's arm."Symbiote!" Dominic slowly uttered the word and took another long breath. Then he glanced at his arm as if nothing was out of place and put it back into the water again. His arm plopped heavily into the water once again, making a splash. This time, Alexander was ready and leaned back."Three hours…later…get Austin…that bastard…help me up!" With that, Dominic fell silent again.Alexander, too, did not speak. He knew the older man must have exhausted all his strength at this moment. Although he seemed to have passed out, it was nothing severe.After taking a deep breath, Alexan