Chapter 131

The mine shaft was damp and cold. Sebastian Valdemar leaned against the rocky wall, his labored breaths echoing in the silence.

"You even know about mines?" His voice was low. "Seems I've underestimated you."

Evelyn Roland didn't respond. She turned and lit a few still-functional oil lamps. The dim glow pushed back the darkness, revealing the glint of a dagger embedded in his arm.

Blood had soaked through half his sleeve.

"Don't move." She pressed her fingers against his wrist, feeling the sticky warmth.

Sebastian smirked. "Not dying yet."

Evelyn frowned. In these conditions, infection was deadlier than blood loss.

She swiftly built a fire and sterilized a torn strip of cloth. The flames cast shadows over his clenched jaw.

"Brace yourself."

Before he could react, she yanked the blade free. Sebastian's muscles locked, his Adam's apple bobbing, but not a sound escaped him.

"Screaming helps."

Only ragged breathing answered her.

As she bandaged the wound, she added a layer of chalcedony powder. Sebastian paled, his voice weak. "My sister was right. You do know medicine."

The air grew thinner. Evelyn stood to investigate, fingertips brushing against a faint draft.

When she returned, Sebastian was in trouble.

His skin burned feverishly, his body convulsing. This wasn't ordinary illness—it was an old poison flaring up.

"Sebastian!" She pinned his thrashing arm. "Look at me!"

His eyes remained shut, his entire frame curled tight like a wounded beast. Cold sweat traced the sharp angles of his face, dripping onto Evelyn's hand.

It was worse than she'd thought.