"What are you looking at?" Austin felt himself being scrutinized. He paused before turning to the pot in the sink. "I honestly didn't know there was soup in it. I promise I haven't given your son anything from that pot in the past two days."
After a moment of silence, feeling guilty, Austin added, "I did give him instant noodles, though." Instant noodles weren't a major concern; Austin had eaten them himself and saw no serious harm. He silently added, Besides, I wasn't feeding Galen instant noodles every day. We just have no choice right now!
Alexander ignored his explanation, abruptly stepping forward to grasp Austin's arms and lift them.
Austin panicked. "What are you doing?!"
Alexander pulled up Austin's sleeve, revealing more than half his arm.
"Huh?" Austin was startled, still unsure of Alexander's intentions. His arms were snow-white, whiter than most women's. Unlike the previous muscle swelling, they appeared devoid of muscle, thin and long, almost excessively so. If Alexander hadn't seen them just days ago, he would have doubted it was the same person.
Alexander carefully examined Austin's arms, finding no marks like those on Dominic's. Austin's arms were clean, the blood vessels faintly visible—nothing unusual. "I'm fine," Austin said, relaxing as he realized Alexander was likely checking his health. "I checked my pulse; it's normal. I have no idea why Uncle Dom and the servants…"
Alexander wouldn't know without an answer.
It seems like our only way to get answers is to wait for Dominic to explain things.
Alexander's assistant soon arrived with groceries. Austin retrieved a small cart overflowing with enough food for over two weeks.
Alexander fed his son chicken porridge and a corn biscuit. The child's complexion noticeably improved afterward. Alexander then gave him toys, instructing him to stay in the room unless absolutely necessary. Galen, though bewildered, was obedient, much to Alexander's relief.
With that settled, Alexander summoned Austin to help retrieve Dominic, as it was almost time. However, upon entering, Austin found his granduncle already out of the bathtub, half his body on the floor, the water still gurgling and steaming. Dominic was unconscious.
"Uncle Dom!" Austin cried, rushing forward. Alexander followed, reaching out to help. His fingers brushed the older man's skin, and he recoiled—Dominic was freezing.
His lower half, still submerged in hot water, was flushed, but his upper body was icy, so cold that mere contact sent shivers down their spines.
"Why is he so cold?!" Austin exclaimed, glancing at Alexander.
Alexander frowned. He didn't know.
"Help him up first," he said in a low voice.
Together, they lifted Dominic from the tub, wrapping him in a large bath towel. After some effort, they carried him to the bedroom, laid him down, and covered him with a blanket.