Francine's bashful demeanor had been a clear sign of her deep affection. It did not seem like an act. But how in the world could she be attracted to him?

Adrian's silence distressed Rozi even more. Tears cascaded down her face. "Adrian, this is all my fault. You have to distance yourself from me.”

"No, this isn’t your fault!" Adrian shook off his reverie and gently clasped Rozi's hand. "Someone must have orchestrated this against me."

Lionel disagreed. Adrian, being a formidable warrior, was not an easy target. Lionel found it implausible for someone to plot against him or get close enough for such a scheme.

"You might’ve come into contact with something unusual that caused these changes," Lionel suggested.

"No." Adrian was certain he had not interacted with anyone strange. The only thing he recalled was standing under a black locust tree and catching a faint fragrance. "I'm sure of it."

Rozi was unconcerned about that. She instead asked, "Lionel, can you heal him?"

"Why, of cou