Once the room was silent, Michael shifted closer to Anita, his expression soft but serious. "Anita, there's more to your illness than just malnutrition. Do you trust me to help you?"
Anita gazed at him, her crimson eyes filled with trust. "I trust you, Michael. You've given me hope when I had none."
Michael's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. Let's begin."
Once everyone had left the room, Michael met Anita's gaze. Calm and resolute, she spoke first.
"You don't need to explain what you're going to do. Just do whatever is necessary."
Her serene acceptance left Michael momentarily awestruck. Is this what prophecy looks like? he wondered.
Without further hesitation, Michael began to absorb the ancient energy that had bound itself to Anita's lineage for generations. The curse, rooted deep in her maternal bloodline, transformed into a palpable energy as it flowed into him.
