The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Vivienne Hawthorn had stumbled upon an unsettling truth in one of her mentor's ancient tomes as a child. It was said that children born during the witching hour, under a moonless sky, were cursed with a dire fate. In ancient times, such children were either abandoned or met with a more grim end.

The thought made Vivienne's gaze turn icy, "They've gone to such lengths to gather these people, all because they need their dark aura as a key component for the ritual."

But this ritual hadn't been activated in centuries. How could it suddenly resurface now?

The phrase "born during the witching hour, under a moonless sky" clung to her like a curse, choking her thoughts. On more than one occasion, Vivienne felt as if she couldn't breathe.

Juliette and Isaiah were born under such an ominous sign!

Percival Ellington, appearing seemingly out of nowhere, placed a comforting hand on hers. He knew all too well what was plaguing her thoughts.

"Don't worry too much, Vivienne. The kids have plenty of people looking out for them. They'll be safe," Percival tried to soothe her, although his words did little to alleviate her fears. Nonetheless, Vivienne nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Given Percival's standing in Luck Village and his ignorance of the matter, it was clear these people hadn't been brought back here but were kept somewhere else.

"They might have kept you in the dark about this plan. It seems Sebastian doesn't hold much sway here," Vivienne mused, recalling her arrival in Luck Village and the scenes that had greeted her. She was certain the village leader and his cohorts wouldn't easily show their hand.

"Let's try to find these people within the village first, but we need to tread carefully," Vivienne instructed before sending Percival off.

Dealing with Draven would have to wait.

The leader of the village, Mayor Thompson, noticed Sebastian leaving the courtyard, and his wife approached him, "My lord, those you requested have been moved here. Shall we go check on them?"

Mayor Thompson hummed a tune, his mood seemingly light as he walked deeper into the village. "Why didn't you inform Sebastian of this? What if he discovers something?" The lady's constant looking back betrayed her nervousness.

Mayor Thompson wasn't concerned, "What if he does? I remember well what happened last time. If he so much as thinks of crossing me, he'll be the first I deal with!"

"This matter is crucial; we cannot afford any mistakes, especially not from him. We must be fully prepared and keep this under wraps. No one must catch wind of this!" Mayor Thompson's eyes glinted with a sinister light, reminiscent of a serpent, unsettling to behold.

"If it comes to that, his life is over anyways. Serving our cause would be his honor!" Mayor Thompson hissed, pushing open the door and stepping inside to where those still unconscious were kept. His expression softened slightly at the sight.

"With these people, my plan cannot fail!" His eyes gleamed with greed, a long-awaited moment finally within reach.

The village was abuzz, and Vivienne felt the constant surveillance. It wasn't merely being watched; it felt like they were verifying something.

A smile played on Vivienne's lips before she vanished around a corner.

As evening settled and Mayor Thompson returned from the secret base, he was greeted by his own people and smiled.

"How is the Thousand-Hands Healer's preparation?" Despite his smile, there was no warmth in his eyes, giving him an eerie demeanor.

Logan Wood ignored him, "You think I can cure a poison instantly? You were the one who insisted I stay, and now you're impatient after less than a day? If you're so capable, summon the Specter Healero yourself!"

With Vivienne by his side, Logan didn't care about offending anyone.

Mayor Thompson, far from angry at Logan's words, chuckled, his gaze suddenly shifting to Vivienne.

"If you can't even manage this, what good is your apprentice?" he sneered, as several men advanced towards Vivienne.

They hardly made a few steps before freezing in place, their expressions turning grave as if suddenly rendered immobile. "What's happening?" Mayor Thompson's eyes flashed with rage, incredulous that so many couldn't handle one young woman. "What use are you?!" he cursed under his breath, moving to take matters into his own hands, only to be violently thrown to the ground. The sound of his fall made others wince in sympathy.

Mayor Thompson, in agonizing pain, glared at Vivienne, "What have you done to me?!"

Before Vivienne could even open her mouth, Logan stepped in, his tone firm, "She's my apprentice. Overlooking her is overlooking me. If that's the case, then we might as

well not waste any more time here!"

QUMS

Just as Logan was about to take Vivienne away, a commotion erupted outside.

"It's chaos, Mayor," someone burst in, breathless and panicked. "The townsfolk, for some reason, have all started vomiting out of nowhere. Some have even passed out cold!" With that announcement, the village plunged into disarray.

Vivienne rose and stepped outside, only to witness a harrowing scene: people on their knees, retching violently, while others lay twitching on the ground, foaming at the mouth. With a mere glance, Vivienne discerned the cause. She approached the nearest sufferer, waving her hand slightly, and miraculously alleviated his symptoms.

Logan gave the Mayor a cold look. "Seems my apprentice's skills are not up for your critique!"

The Mayor wiped a smear of blood from his cheek, standing up with a scowl directed at Vivienne. "What in God's name is happening here?"

Vivienne, without lifting her head,

continued her ministrations on the

convulsing man, whose condition

seemed dire, his face smeared with

foam Despite the repulsive scene, she appeared unfazed. "Poisoning."

Unbothered by the Mayor's hostile demeanor, her hands moved with assured speed, and in moments, the man's convulsions ceased, his breathing returning to normal.

The Mayor narrowed his eyes, the calm facade melting away. "You cured him just like that. Could it be you who poisoned him in the first place?"

At his accusation, wary eyes shifted towards Vivienne, their gazes filled with suspicion.