A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 305

Thomas lay unconscious, his skin pale and clammy as the group crowded around him in panic.

The on-site doctor and Herne worked frantically to save him, but the situation was dire.

The livestream had erupted into chaos.

"Is Thomas going to be okay?"

"There's a doctor. He has to be fine!"

"But he was untreated for so long…"

"This is all Demi's fault! If she hadn't caused so much drama, Thomas wouldn't have been distracted and missed the snakebite!"

"Oh, come on. How is this Demi's fault? Blame Ana! She's the one who's been tormenting him!"

"Seriously, Ana's screwed things up for him twice now."

…

The crowd was stunned to see Demi arrive. Then, those who knew her abilities, like Connor, nudged aside to let her through.

She took one look at Thomas' limp form, then at the pungent vomit beside him.

"I'll handle it." She knelt, pulling out her acupuncture needles.

The doctor, having seen her work before, immediately stepped back.

Herne, however, stared in disbelief. Demi's fingers pressed against Thomas' wrist. Three seconds was all she needed for the diagnosis.

Neurotoxin. The bite was on Thomas' right arm, near the wrist.

Snake venom came in three varieties— neurotoxic, hemotoxic, or a mix of both.

Neurotoxins were insidious—minimal swelling, little bleeding. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and exhaustion crept in slowly.

Yet, the toxin spread quickly and was lethal. Many failed to detect the symptoms because it was mild. No wonder Thomas didn't notice the snakebite.

Demi pulled out a silver needle and gestured toward Thomas' bitten right arm.

"Help me roll up his sleeve," she instructed the doctor, who complied immediately.

With practiced precision, Demi began inserting the needles. As she worked, a silent vow echoed in her mind.

A crisis was also an opportunity. Viewership was skyrocketing.

Demi worked methodically and inserted the needles in Thomas' arm, then his chest, and finally his head. Each placement guarded a vital organ.

Just as she pressed the last needle into his temple, Thomas' eyelids fluttered open. His gaze locked onto Demi's, unreadable.

Though unconscious, he'd been aware of his surroundings. He knew Demi was saving him.

Again. Twice now, in just one month.

Yet, Thomas had never treated Demi kindly. He even left her in a burning car and turned away.

"Am I dying?" His voice was rough, barely audible.

Silence. Long enough that he thought Demi might not answer.

Just then, Demi replied, "No."

Thomas' eyes burned. After a long pause, he said hoarsely, "I'm sorry."