“I know that,” Kishor answered with a crooked, bitter smile. “But so many years have passed. She has become someone I scarcely recognize. Can we really step back into what we once were?”

“The past may be unreachable,” Jared said steadily, “But the future is still unwritten. Running won’t heal anything, and Madam Pudge’s condition might not be as hopeless as it seems.”

“What did you just say?” Kishor jerked his head up, a spark of hope igniting in his eyes. “Jared, do you truly have a way?”

“I can’t promise miracles,” Jared admitted, scratching at his hair in embarrassment. “But I can try. An ancient text I once studied described cases where Demonic Cultivation warped the body. If we locate the technique’s core pattern, map its energy path, then balance it with precise medicines and counter-techniques, we might reverse the damage.”

A pause later, said, “So, Kishor, would you arrange for me to sit with Madam Pudge? I need to hear every detail of that cultivation before I can chart a cure.”

Kishor wavered for a heartbeat, then nodded. “All right… Thank you, Jared…”

He knew this could be Alice’s only chance-and his own chance to atone. Not long after, Alice bustled across the courtyard, delight shining from every pore as dragged Kishor toward the banquet hall had ordered prepared.