Dominic's earlier ease and nonchalance had been sheer willpower; he hadn't wanted Galen to see how worn out he was, to frighten the child, or to let him witness that side of himself.

"Uncle Dom clenched his teeth and forced himself to stay strong," Austin thought. "I thought he was getting better. How stupid and naive I am!" He hated himself, guilty for his carelessness and inattention. Carefully supporting Dominic, he checked his pulse: inconsistent, sometimes rapid, sometimes slow—dangerously so.

"Uncle Dom!" Austin choked, speechless.

"It's nothing!" Dominic sighed. "Towels!"

Austin hurriedly fetched a dry towel and a wet one. Dominic, seeing them, smiled faintly. "How smart!" he managed, the words a challenge. He'd wanted to praise Austin's quick thinking, but his strength was failing. Austin couldn't even smile; he knew his granduncle was trying to lighten the mood, but all he could manage was to avoid crying.

If this continues, Uncle Dom's body won't be able to take it. Even without the virus, the constant lack of food, mental strain, and occasional coughing fits were harmful to an older person.

"Uncle Dom, this can't go on. Maybe I should go to that lab!" Austin decided.

"Nonsense!" Dominic scolded, then coughed, the exertion too much. His anger, unlike earlier when Galen was present, prevented him from speaking clearly.

"Uncle Dom, please calm down. I can't see you like this!" Austin reassured him, though he felt helpless. Alexander and Lily were working on a solution, but there was no good news. He watched Dominic deteriorate, feeling his own resolve crumble.

I must find a solution, even if I can't. Even if I died out there, at least I would've done something.

"Don't...go!" Dominic, clutching Austin's collar, gritted out the words.

Austin, shocked by the anger and concern in his granduncle's eyes, felt tears welling. He nodded, bravely. "I-I'll listen to you, Uncle Dom!"