The days that followed Lord Belmore’s visit were tense and quiet. Clara felt a gnawing sense of unease that never seemed to leave, and she took extra care to keep Lucas close. She noticed that even the villagers had grown more cautious, as if sensing the dark energy that Belmore’s presence had left behind. Word of his visit spread quickly, and rumors began to circulate that strangers were searching for the “phantom doctor.”
One evening, as Clara tucked Lucas into bed, he looked up at her with solemn eyes. “Mama, I feel like something is watching us.”
Clara felt a pang in her chest, but she forced a reassuring smile. “It’s just because of Lord Belmore’s visit, sweetheart. He’s gone now, and we’re safe.”
Lucas didn’t seem convinced. “But what if they come back? The doctor said he would help us if we ever needed him.”
Clara brushed his hair gently, her heart heavy. “I know, Lucas. And if we do need him, I’m sure he’ll be there.” She kissed his forehead, hoping her words would ease his worry, though deep down, she wasn’t certain how long they could rely on that hope.
Later that night, after Lucas had fallen asleep, Clara went to the window, gazing out at the moonlit forest. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, the sense that unseen eyes were lingering in the shadows. She thought of Dr. Verin and wondered if he could sense her distress, wherever he was.
As she stared out into the darkness, a familiar glimmer caught her eye—a faint, ghostly light flickering at the edge of the forest. Her breath caught. Could it be him?
She threw on her cloak and, glancing back to ensure Lucas was still asleep, slipped out into the night. Her feet moved quickly over the cobblestone path as she approached the forest’s edge, the light growing brighter with each step. The chill in the air seemed to intensify, wrapping around her like an invisible hand.
“Dr. Verin?” she called softly, her voice barely more than a whisper.
A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and cloaked, his face partially obscured by the hood he wore. It was him—Dr. Elias Verin. His eyes shone with a faint, otherworldly glow as he looked down at her, his expression unreadable.
“Mrs. Adley,” he said, his voice low and calm. “I sensed there was trouble.”
Clara nodded, relief flooding through her. “Yes, there was a man… a Lord Belmore. He came asking questions about you, about Lucas. He belongs to a group—some kind of society—that wants your… abilities.”
Dr. Verin’s gaze darkened, and his jaw tightened. “I know of them. They have been hunting knowledge of my kind for centuries, seeking to possess what they do not understand.”
Clara hesitated, glancing back toward the village. “They won’t stop, will they?”
Dr. Verin shook his head slowly. “They are relentless, and they view knowledge as a right they can claim. But I can shield you and Lucas, though it will require a ritual of binding—a protection spell that will prevent them from seeing or sensing my mark on him.”
Clara’s eyes widened. “A ritual? Will it be dangerous?”
“For you, no. But it may cause some discomfort for Lucas. It will be brief, and it will shield him from those who seek him for reasons beyond his control.”
Clara nodded, her resolve firm. “If it keeps him safe, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Dr. Verin motioned for her to follow him deeper into the forest, where the trees grew thicker, their branches intertwining to form a natural archway. The forest floor was covered in soft moss, and the air smelled of earth and old magic.
He took out a vial filled with a faintly glowing liquid and handed it to her. “This is for Lucas. He must drink it at dawn, and only then will the ritual be complete. It will tie him to the natural world, shielding him from those who wish him harm.”
Clara took the vial, her fingers trembling slightly as she held it. “Will we ever be truly safe?”
Dr. Verin looked at her, his expression somber yet compassionate. “Safety is not always guaranteed, but I will do what I can to protect those who need me. If the society pursues you again, I will know.”
Clara’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you. I don’t know how we can ever repay you.”
He shook his head gently. “You owe me nothing. There are forces in this world that must be kept in balance, and your son is a part of that balance.”
As dawn neared, Clara returned to her cottage, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and hope. She carefully woke Lucas, guiding him to drink from the vial as Dr. Verin had instructed. As the first light of morning touched the village, a strange warmth washed over him, and for a moment, Clara thought she saw a faint glow in his eyes.
She watched him carefully, sensing that the ritual had indeed worked, binding him to something greater than either of them could comprehend. And as the sun rose fully, Clara felt a sense of peace, knowing that for now, they were protected.