Stunned, Dominic frowned, pondering carefully before slowly shaking his head. "He hadn't, I suppose."

The child was naughty, but Dominic cared for him deeply and would never allow him to do anything dangerous, keeping him away from harm's way. Reflecting, he believed Galen had not been exposed to Austin's blood, nor had such an opportunity presented itself.

Alexander sighed in relief at the news of his son's lack of contact with Austin's blood. However, a puzzle remained. "But... Galen has a fever."

"Fever?" Dominic exclaimed, startled. "What other symptoms does he have?" He leaned forward, nearly sitting upright in alarm.

Alexander, noticing the older man's anxiety, sought to reassure him. "No, just a fever. He has a good appetite and slept soundly after some soup and biscuits. I just took his temperature; the fever has subsided."

Dominic was relieved. "That's good to hear."

"So, Galen isn't infected, right?" Alexander asked tentatively, earnestly hoping for confirmation, yet unsure.

"No, I'm sure he's not," Dominic murmured, shaking his head, though acknowledging the uncertainty inherent in the situation. "I hope and pray he isn't."

"I'm calling my parents," Austin said, grabbing his phone and leaving the room.

Alexander turned to Dominic. "Were you trying to draw out the symbiotes with the herbal bath?"

Dominic met his gaze, nodding. "I underestimated their resilience and ability to hide. I failed to draw them out even after three hours." He glanced at his arm, appearing normal, though only Alexander knew it had nearly burst open three hours prior, its contents unknown. "Call Lily," Dominic instructed, "to ease your mind."

"Will do," Alexander replied, clearly worried about her.

Just as he rose, Austin rushed back in, anxious and clutching his phone. "Uncle Dom, I think my parents... got infected too!" His attempt to remain calm couldn't mask the tears in his eyes or the tremor in his voice; his greatest fear had materialized.

"They're showing symptoms?" Dominic asked, sitting up with concern. The issue transcended their family; it involved the validity of his theory about the transmission method.

"They have fevers and itchy bodies, but they hid it from me, not wanting to worry me," Austin breathed, taking a deep breath. "I must have infected them. It's all my fault!" He added urgently, "I must go get them! Otherwise, I don't know how many more people will be infected."

Before Dominic could respond, Alexander abruptly turned and walked away, his heart pounding as he quickly dialed a number.