Ella’s POV
Back at the manor, Dr. Helena praised me in front of everyone.
“The successful completion of this business trip is all thanks to our new pharmacist Anna. She was bold and decisive in carrying out the mission, identifying the illusion grass at the first opportunity and saving all of our lives. Mrs. Willow hereby awards the ‘Outstanding New Pharmacist Award’ to Anna. Keep up the good work.”
“Wow, congratulations, Anna,” Holly cheered.
“Anna, you’re amazing. Before this, I didn’t even know what illusion grass was. How did you know about such an obscure herb?” Sophie said, gripping my wrist.
“Yes, Anna, being from a medical family, your pharmacological knowledge indeed surpasses mine. You deserve this honor,” Lily nodded, admiringly looking at me.
I shyly scratched my head. In my previous 23 years of life, I had only faced prejudice and ridicule. Being praised by so many people for the first time made me nervous, unsure of where to put my hands.
“Anna, what are you standing there for? Go and get your award,” Holly pushed me.
“Y-yes,” I stuttered, making my way to Dr. Helena and accepting the medal.
The medal was carved from gold and looked very precious. Growing up in the Blood Moon Pack, I often received stones thrown by peers. This golden medal was extraordinary to me, stirring a sour feeling in my heart.
Dr. Helena, unlike her usual seriousness, looked kindly at me. “Anna, I admire your bravery, but I have to say, you scared me that night. In the future, don’t face danger alone. We are a team, okay?”
I was taken aback. “Yes, we are a team.”
Dr. Helena hugged me. “Anna, I had some prejudice against you before, and I’m sorry. But now, I’m proud to have you on my team. You’re an excellent physician.”
“Thank you, Dr. Helena. I’m also honored to be part of your team. You’ve shown me respect and help, and I appreciate it,” I said earnestly, shyly lowering my head.
Dr. Helena laughed and patted my head. “You’re our partner, respect and help are to be expected.”
When I returned to my desk, Lily, Holly, and Sophie surrounded me, asking me many questions about illusion grass. When they found out that I knew many strange herbs, they became even more excited, grabbing onto me and not letting me leave.
“Wow, Anna, how does your brain hold so many strange herbs?” Lily was the most excited, and if she could, I was a bit worried she would actually dissect my head.
“So, Anna, how did you save Beta Aaron from losing his mind with illusion grass? And how did the illusion grass wither?” Holly’s question made me pause, remembering that night in The Darkwood.
Kevin’s face immediately came to mind; he saved me.
If it weren’t for him, I would have become nothing but remnants swallowed by illusion grass.
“Anna?”
I snapped back, not wanting to reveal Kevin and Liam’s appearance. “I cut off the roots of the illusion grass with a knife, and it withered.”
“Oh, that’s simple,” Holly sighed.
“Such a terrifying killer plant turned to ashes like that. If possible, I wish we could take it back to the lab for research,” Lily lamented.
“Oh, Lily, you’re such a medical enthusiast.” Sophie said.
I chuckled helplessly.
I was organizing my notebook when Ada approached me and threw a box of exquisite pastries in front of me. I looked at her with confusion, and she awkwardly avoided eye contact, only muttering a “thank you” before quickly returning to her workstation.
I stared at the pastries on the table, utterly bewildered. Holly poked my back and whispered with a grin, “Ada is thanking you for saving her. She’s too shy to say it herself.”
I nodded belatedly.
“Ada said she saw her sister who died 15 years ago that night. Can illusion grass really make people see illusions?” Holly asked, stroking her chin. “If I had known, I would have worn cotton in my ears later to experience the illusion. When I lose consciousness, you and Dr. Helena can knock me out.”
I shook my head. “Holly, illusions are not real. That’s definitely not a good experience.”
“Why not? Anna, did you also see illusions?”
I hesitated, memories of the illusion flooding back into my mind.
My mom stood before me, smiling and waving like when I was a child.
I couldn’t help but move forward.
“Mom…”
“My little wolf, you’ve grown into a beautiful she-wolf. Come here, come to me.” She opened her arms.
“Okay, Mom.” I smiled and walked towards her.
I thought my memory stopped there, but as I continued to ponder, the subsequent scenes rushed in.
“Ella, stop!”
A giant brown wolf appeared at the moment when my body was being consumed by illusion grass, throwing me backward.
Then he turned into a human. “Ella, it’s okay, I’m Kevin, you’re fine now.”
“No, I don’t want Kevin, I want my mom, I only want her.” I cried.
“Ella, then I can be your mom or your dad, as long as you want, I can do anything for you.” He wiped my tears, gently kissing my forehead.
As I remembered this scene, my heart raced violently. I knew Kevin saved me, but I lost consciousness at that time, losing the memory of him comforting me when my sanity was being devoured.
“Ella, then I can be your mom or your dad, as long as you want, I can do anything for you.”
As I repeated this sentence in my mind, tears involuntarily welled up in my eyes.