Unlike before, where the power was interrupted within a certain range, this time it was entirely her own power. The force flowed smoothly into the Grand Elder’s organs without any hindrance. The moment the Grand Elder opened his eyes, all the instruments instantly screamed.
Maggie finally breathed a sigh of relief, the stone that had been weighing on her chest finally lifted.
Others heard the instruments’ cries and rushed in, with Urania and Mrs. Jenkins leisurely following behind the crowd.
“How is the Grand Elder? Is he awake? Or is it getting worse?” People crowded together, eager to see the Grand Elder’s condition at first glance. The usually unhurried elders now resembled a chaotic luxury store on the morning of a new product launch. Fortunately, the apprentices had rushed in early to keep Maggie behind, preventing her from being bumped by someone with no sense.
As soon as the Grand Elder opened his eyes, he saw a crowd gathered around his sickbed.
“What’s going on?”
Upon hearing the Grand Elder’s strong and aged voice, some people were so excited that they directly burst into tears. However, the Grand Elder still hadn’t figured out what was happening. He only remembered being in a state of unconsciousness, with intermittent consciousness. He could hear many people shouting and crying, but couldn’t distinguish who they were. He was in a completely isolated space, unable to move or speak.
There were several times when he felt like he was saying goodbye to this world, but his soul, for some unknown reason, lingered in the mortal realm.
Until he opened his eyes again to assess the world.
He looked left and right, seeing the elder who had some rapport with him standing behind the crowd, and many faces he didn’t quite remember. Everyone had come, as if preparing for some grand ceremony. When he looked to the other side, he saw a young child with Maggie, a familiar face.
“Maggie,” a hint of a smile appeared on his face. “You’re here too.”
The apprentice answered for her, “It was Maggie who saved you, twice. The first time, she pulled you back from the brink of life and death, and this time, she completely woke you up.”
“Is that so…” The Grand Elder sighed deeply. “It seems I’m getting old, reaching the point where I need to be saved by the younger generation.”
But he also felt a sense of relief. If Maggie had such abilities, it meant that Aldrich and his insight were not wrong. Sitting on the sickbed, watching people happily holding hands, expressing worries and longing for each other, the ward was filled with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. A brief illness, an unwarranted disaster, made him feel a renewed affection for this world. He could better understand people’s fear of life, aging, illness, and death. He also wanted to contribute his meager strength to this world.
The elder who had been in charge during this period saw that people’s worries had mostly dissipated and began to disperse the crowd. “Let’s not disturb the Grand Elder just as he wakes up. Let’s keep a quiet environment for him. When his health improves a bit more, we’ll have another meeting to decide to continue having our Grand Elder as the presiding elder.”
Everyone thought it made sense, and they left the ward one after another.
The dense crowd finally dispersed, leaving the hospital room considerably emptier and once again desolate. The acting presiding elder, with trembling hands, approached the Grand Elder, tears streaming down his face. “These days, I’ve been worried, afraid that you’d leave without a word, afraid that you’d really leave us. Fortunately, you held on.”
Fortunately, he held on, and the werewolves held on too. Everyone would surely welcome a better future.
“I won’t ask how you got injured. When you’re ready to talk, we’ll naturally know,” he said to the Grand Elder. Then, turning to Maggie, he added, “Thank you for your help. Without you, the werewolf world might have changed. Thank you for setting aside prejudices for the werewolves, and thank you for not holding grudges. We’re all grateful to you.”
After saying these words, he deeply bowed to Maggie. Maggie quickly waved her hands, “Please don’t do that. It’s something I should do.”
Soon, the hospital room was left with only the Grand Elder, Maggie, Urania, and Mrs. Jenkins.
“Urania, I haven’t seen you leave your little cabin for many years.”
Few older and high-ranking figures were not acquainted with Urania. Everyone had visited that cabin at some point, ringing the wind chimes made of animal teeth, resting under the palm trees. However, as time passed, everyone had their own life paths, and no one had returned to that cabin.
“At the request of an old friend from many years ago. Because it’s an old friend, I thought I should take a little more care.”
“You have too many old friends. How can you remember who is who?”
Urania sat down slowly. “Others may forget, but how can I forget Selene?”
The Grand Elder knew she wouldn’t suddenly mention someone without a reason, even if the person in her mouth was the former Moon Goddess. So, he remained silent, waiting for Urania to continue.
As expected, Urania got straight to the point with her next words, “Maggie is Selene’s daughter. I can’t let her wander around.”
Despite being mentally prepared, the Grand Elder was still surprised by this news. He turned incredulously to look at Maggie. “Is it true? But if you’re the daughter of the Moon Goddess, why are you living in the human world?”
Among these four people, only Urania and Mrs. Jenkins probably knew the truth. However, they both felt that some truths were better left unknown. At least, when you didn’t know, speculation would always be just speculation and couldn’t become a fact.
“Selene has her own plans, and these details don’t matter. What matters is that Maggie not only inherits Selene’s power but also creates new Moon Goddess powers. I believe she will be the next Moon Goddess.”
With the new Moon Goddess in place, the Grand Elder should have been happy. However, looking at Maggie, who was much younger than Grace, still looking like a child and recently pregnant, he couldn’t bear to let such a child bear such a weight.
“Maggie, come here. Let’s have a good talk.”
So, Maggie obediently sat by the bed, letting the Grand Elder hold her hand. Those hands were covered with scars left by the years-swollen scars, sunken wounds, dry skin. Time was brutally exploiting this aged and wise person, taking away his consciousness, health, and even his life. Yet, for such a person, his first concern was still the future of his people.
Perhaps Grace would become him in the future, and Aldrich too. They would all become him.
Maggie’s eyes teared up. “You know, I’m right here listening. There’s plenty of time; you can take your time.”
Mrs. Jenkins sat on a small sofa not far away, and Urania leaned against the window, gazing at the scenery outside. They all remained silent, not uttering a word.