Chapter 189
189
Adelaide’s POV
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“The drug is called Soulvine,” the witch doctor explained. “It’s a creeping vine that, once ingested by a werewolf, rapidly creates a powerful addiction. This addiction alters werewolf behavior, making them irritable and aggressive as they constantly seek more Soulvine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Prolonged use can cause the wolf spirit to deteriorate.”
“From what I’ve observed, he should be fine. Did he show any discomfort during your journey back?”
I recalled our trip and noticed he’d had a few episodes but had gritted his teeth through them.
Lately, there’d been no signs of distress.
“Not really. Last time he had an episode, he toughed it out,” I said.
“Ah, Alpha Lance mentioned his severe withdrawal in Redwood City–he was banging his head and self- harming. But I haven’t seen that since I arrived,” I added.
Digby sighed. “The initial phase of withdrawal is the toughest, but the symptoms will gradually subside until it’s fully out of his system. This drug is harmful, and recovery will take time.”
“His stunted growth is due to malnutrition and the impact of the addictive substances on his young body,” he said, his tone heavy with empathy.
“Most people detoxing from Soulvine require werewolf healing techniques and medicinal support. That this child has endured it alone speaks to his remarkable willpower. With proper care and teaching once he recovers, he’ll surely achieve great things,” Digby assured me.
Hearing this, I could vividly imagine the agony Cedric must have endured during his withdrawal in Redwood City.
Lance’s haggard appearance at the time spoke volumes about Cedric’s turbulent state.
Cedric was still very thin, but compared to when I first met him, he’d improved significantly.
His once–pale face regained some color, and his body, no longer rail–thin, had a bit more flesh on his cheeks.
He hadn’t stopped growing entirely over the past two years. His limp and habitual slouch made him seem shorter than he was.
When he stood straight, he didn’t appear as small as before, though he was still shorter than the average seven–year–old.
Digby’s treatment plan prioritized restoring Cedric’s health before considering surgery to realign his leg bones.
Detoxification and recovery could proceed concurrently, and there was hope he’d regain his voice once the toxins were flushed out.
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189
Digby left some nourishing tablets and prescribed a daily detoxifying potion.
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Additionally, every other day, a specialist would visit to treat Cedric, particularly addressing the swollen areas in his throat–a side effect of the Silencing Leaf he was forced to ingest.
I asked, “How soon can he speak again?”
“He’s already making low whimpering sounds, indicating the Silencing Leaf dosage wasn’t excessive,” Digby replied, his voice tinged with disdain for the malicious acts.
“They likely feared killing him with an overdose. Since they’d already addicted him to Soulvine, ensuring he wouldn’t escape, they opted for a lighter dose.”
I seethed with anger toward those responsible.
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But according to Alpha Lance, several wolf packs near Redwood City, along with powerful rogue groups, were uniting to hunt down those who harm werewolf pups.
They rescued all captured children and severely punished those involved.
In reality, these powerful rogues might not be unaware that some lone wolves were using their names to commit crimes. They simply chose to ignore it.
They possessed formidable combat strength but avoided joining any pack or forming their own.
While they claimed to value freedom, the truth was they aimed to evade the kingdom’s oversight.
As I saw Digby off, he sighed, “Being kidnapped is tragic, but escaping the Frostfang Massacre is a silver lining.”
I disagreed. If Cedric had delivered the lollipops to the Bloodmoon Pack, I would have personally escorted him back. I might have even stayed overnight.
If I had been there during the Western Tribe’s attack, though I might not have saved everyone, the massacre could have been averted.
Thus, my hatred for the wolves who took Cedric remained intense.
I hope they were all eradicated, every last one.
After Digby left, I arranged for a carriage. I planned to take Cedric to the palace first to meet Lycan Erasmus and Lycan Luna Clarissa.
Afterward, I’d bring him to the Thunder Pack.
I had ordered new clothes for him, but his old ones still fit, though there weren’t many left.
Some were burned at the funeral as keepsakes. The remaining clothes fit Cedric well, just a touch short.
His facial scars had healed, leaving faint traces.
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Dressed in his old, elegant attire, it felt as if two years hadn’t passed, as if nothing had changed.
But of course, this was just an illusion.
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