Erebus moved swiftly past the series of rooms on the first floor, stopping before Derran's office. Under Luciana's orders, the servants had prepared a temporary laboratory for his research, which also served as a clinic.
The moment he stepped inside, Derran's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Master! You're awake!" His voice trembled with relief. "Thank God… How are you feeling? Do you have any pain?"
Erebus regarded him with quiet detachment before shaking his head.
"On the contrary, my head feels clear, and the pain is gone. My wounds have healed."
Derran's eyes flickered with shock. "Your injuries too?"
"They've healed," Erebus confirmed, glancing down at his arms, "but they left scars."
Derran hesitated before stepping closer. "If you don't mind… please allow me to examine you once again."
The concern in his voice left Erebus little choice. With a sigh, he removed his shirt, exposing the marks left behind by battle.
"I… I can't believe it." Derran withdrew his hands, his expression awed. "These wounds… The burns… They should have been impossible to heal with any potion I made." His gaze fell to Erebus' ankle. "Can you walk properly now?"
Erebus tested his movement, shifting his weight and stomping his foot twice.
"It doesn't hurt," he stated.
Derran swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's nothing short of a miracle, my lord." He wiped his eyes, struggling to compose himself. "And more than that… You've changed. You're able to express yourself now, unlike before. Your heart—"
Erebus stiffened.
Had he truly changed? He still despised many things. He still wanted revenge. His goals remained unchanged.
But there was one difference—since she arrived.
Luciana.
He had thought little of her, aside from her beauty and kindness—both of which he found foolishly selfless. She had never shown him affection, only sympathy. Yet, now, recalling how he had isolated her, ignored her pleas, something in him twisted uncomfortably.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out from the master's chambers.
"Hang in there, milady!"
Without hesitation, Erebus turned and strode toward the heavy black iron doors, throwing them open.
Inside, half the staff stood frozen, clutching towels and other supplies. All eyes turned toward him.
"Cough—Cough—*"
Luciana sat in bed, her fragile form trembling. Mina, kneeling beside her, rubbed gentle circles on her back, offering a wooden mug of warm water.
"It's alright, milady. You need to rinse out the remaining blood," Mina soothed.
Luciana obediently took a sip but gagged, spitting the crimson-tinged water into a clay pot.
"Master!" A servant stepped forward, visibly shaken. "Milady suddenly woke up coughing up blood."
Erebus' expression darkened. "Bring the physician. The rest of you—out. Mina stays."
The servants rushed to obey, filing out in hurried silence.
Mina tried again, pressing the mug toward Luciana's lips. "Please, milady. Just one last sip."
Luciana turned away, her body rejecting even the thought of it.
Erebus moved without a word, plucking the mug from Mina's grasp.
"Move."
Mina obeyed instantly, stepping back.
Erebus knelt before Luciana, one hand cradling the back of her head. When she refused the water, he didn't hesitate. Bringing the cup to his lips, he took a deep mouthful—then pressed his lips to hers, forcing her to drink.
She struggled at first, but the liquid slid down her throat, loosening the remaining clots. She coughed violently, finally expelling the last of the tainted blood into the pot Mina held.
Her strength gave out, and she collapsed against him, her damp forehead resting against his chest. Sweat coated her skin, and her breaths came shallow and labored.
Erebus reached for a clean white towel, left on the bed by the servants, and gently wiped her face.
"When did she wake up?" he asked, his voice quieter now.
Mina hesitated, staring at him as if witnessing a miracle.
"Did you not hear me?" His tone sharpened.
"A-ah, yes, master," Mina stammered. "She woke up just as I brought her breakfast. It's morning sickness—like Sir Derran said before—"
A knock interrupted her explanation.
"Master, I've brought the physician," Blake called from behind the door.
"Enter."
Derran stepped inside and immediately understood the situation. Bowing his head, he moved to Luciana's side and began his examination.
A moment later, he sighed in relief. "The worst has passed. The contaminated blood is out, and both the mother and child are safe."
Erebus' shoulders eased slightly.
"However," Derran continued, "she should rest for the remainder of the day. Make sure she doesn't skip a meal. I will prepare a potion to ease her morning sickness."
A weight lifted from the room.
Erebus nodded. "Good."
Mina, still in shock, nearly dropped the clay pot. Did… did he just thank him?!
Derran smiled warmly. "Rest assured, my lord. Healing is my duty."
Before leaving, he hesitated. "My lord, if I may offer a suggestion?"
"Speak."
"I have no prior experience handling pregnancies. It would be best to bring in a midwife—someone trustworthy who can guide the lady through this process. It would be more comfortable for her and ensure she receives the best care."
Silence followed as Erebus considered the idea. Then, he nodded.
"Very well. Do you have someone in mind?"
Derran's expression brightened. "Yes, my lord. There is one woman I can recommend. She once lived within the fortress before her marriage. She now has a child of her own. She is also Sir Jafar's close relative."
Erebus hesitated.
"Her?"