Chapter Sixty-One

Summary

• Bryce and Hunt arrive at the medwitch's clinic to treat and extract the venom from Bryce's old wound.
• The medwitch who is to attend to Bryce is affable and welcoming. She suggests that Hunt can join Bryce in the treatment room, which is highly advanced with the latest technology.
• Bryce describes the symptoms of her old wound -- it hurt when she ran or walked too much, causing a burning sensation along her bone. The witch explains that the pain is due to the presence of the demon venom, which was never properly extracted.
• Bryce allows the medwitch to use the venom she extracts in her experiments to find a synth antidote. The medwitch explains that the venom needs to be stabilized for it to interact with the synth and reverse its effects, which requires her present magical intervention.
• Before carrying out the procedure, the witch issues a warning about the intensity of the pain as she extracts the venom. She suggests the possibility of scheduling the process for another day with the option of general anesthesia, but Bryce insists on proceeding immediately.
• The witch uses a machine to scan Bryce's leg, discerning the venom's whereabouts, and begins the extraction process.
• Throughout the extraction process, Hunt stays by Bryce's side, holding her hand, and providing emotional support, revealing his depth of feelings for her. His verbal encouragement, along with a slight kiss, seems to ease Bryce's pain.
• The witch manages the extraction successfully and stores the venom in a jar for further tests in producing an antidote.
• Reflecting on Hunt's emotional support during the treatment, Bryce senses a deeper relationship developing between them. Post-extraction, she is left with a sense of relief and uncertainty about the future.
• The witch tests the venom on a synthetic pill, with the magical venom successfully neutralizing the synthetic pill. Musing about the possibilities this opens up for producing a widespread, reliable antidote for synth use, the witch promises to send Bryce a vial of the venom as a reminder of her struggle.