**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
**Chapter 53: Fiona’s Revenge**
(Third-Person’s POV)
In the grand tapestry of her life, Fiona found a peculiar sense of relief in returning to Kingston Hall. The brief exile from Alexander’s pack had proven to be more burdensome than she had ever anticipated. The whispers of discontent and caution that followed her like shadows were a stark reminder of the precarious position she now occupied.
News of her confrontations with Evelyn had spread like wildfire, and the other packs she once collaborated with now treated her with a mix of wariness and suspicion. It was as if a cloud of doubt hung over her, forcing her to tread carefully and keep her sharp tongue in check.
As she stepped onto the familiar grounds of Kingston Hall that morning, Fiona made a silent vow to herself: work was to be treated as work, devoid of any personal entanglements. The crisp morning air filled her lungs as she followed her usual path, her heart racing with a blend of anticipation and trepidation. She was determined to start her day on a positive note.
With a bright smile plastered on her face, she began to organize her equipment, methodically counting the number of patients she was scheduled to evaluate. The changing seasons brought with them a wave of illness, and Fiona relished the opportunity to shine in her role. As the chill of autumn settled around them, she felt the familiar thrill of purpose wash over her.
Yet, as she settled into her routine, she quickly realized that the atmosphere had shifted. Patients came and went, offering little more than a perfunctory “thank you” before disappearing back into the world outside. The usual camaraderie, the light-hearted banter, and the sharing of local gossip had evaporated. Instead, each individual seemed to be on a strict schedule, stating their symptoms and leaving without a second thought.
A sense of unease began to creep into her thoughts. Was this a continuation of her punishment? The prospect of being shunned by her own community gnawed at her insides. And then there was the matter of her patients’ health. To her astonishment, most of them appeared to be thriving, despite the seasonal shift. Fiona had always been the one to prescribe endless bottles of probiotics to stave off illness, but now it seemed someone else had taken the reins.
As she examined her sixth patient of the day, a flicker of irritation ignited within her. “Timothy,” she asked, her voice tinged with barely concealed frustration, “can you explain why it seems like everyone is in peak condition? It’s as if they’ve all been taking some sort of super supplement.”
Timothy, caught off guard by her intensity, shrugged his shoulders, a hint of confusion in his eyes. “Maybe it’s the tea that’s been going around the pack,” he suggested hesitantly.
“Tea? What tea?” Fiona’s brows knitted together in disbelief. “I haven’t prescribed any tea to anyone.”
“Luna Evelyn and Wendy mixed up a special herbal tea designed to ward off seasonal illnesses and boost energy,” he explained, his tone more confident now. “They started distributing it a few weeks ago, and everyone seems to love it.”
Fiona stared at him, incredulous. The audacity! Evelyn—the so-called nobody, the Luna she had dismissed as a mere joke—had somehow managed to eclipse her in her own field? It was unfathomable.
“Are you telling me that everyone is actually drinking this tea?” she pressed, her voice rising in disbelief.
As she surveyed the organized chaos of the space, she knew she needed to be meticulous. She had to ensure that her presence went unnoticed. Just then, something caught her eye—a large ledger sitting prominently on a table. Curiosity piqued, she approached it and flipped it open, her heart racing as she took in the sight before her.
Evelyn had somehow garnered a following with her herbal tea. Packs from far and wide were seeking her out for their own supply.
Oh my God… She’s actually popular?!
A dark smile crept across Fiona’s face, a mix of disbelief and anger swirling within her. Without a moment’s hesitation, she returned to the vat, uncapped the vial, and poured its contents into the mixture. A loose stir followed, ensuring the Belladonna was well-distributed.
Given the substantial volume of the original tea, the likelihood of a fatal outcome was minimal. However, she was certain that anyone who consumed it would face a rather unpleasant experience.
If she couldn’t sway Alexander’s opinion against Evelyn, she could at least tarnish her growing reputation.
With a sense of satisfaction bubbling within her, Fiona exited the tent, feeling lighter as she walked away, the weight of her plan invigorating her spirit.

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