Murphy found Triss just as she was coming out of the tent where the wounded were being treated.
As a psionic master, Triss was familiar with healing spells, even though she had lost her powers and specialized in the more offensive art of dark psionics. At the very least, she could use psionic recovery on each person.
She always had something to keep her busy, and Murphy rarely interfered with her daily life.
But just then, Triss wasn't looking well.
As she walked, she kept rubbing her forehead, and her complexion was paler than usual.
Murphy knew why.
He stepped forward to support her and asked softly,
"Has Salokdar's death weakened you? I know a parent's passing can inflict indescribable pain on their descendants through the bloodline contract. Damn him. Even dead, he's still tormenting you."
"You're overthinking it. I just haven't had any wine tonight, and I have a headache from overusing my brain."
Triss rolled her eyes and snorted. She touched the scar on her neck and said,
"I lost all my blood essence over a hundred years ago. Aside from still having a vampire's life signs, I'm not much different from an unusually capable ordinary person. I think I may have accidentally discovered a second way to break the bloodline contract that's plagued vampires for a thousand years."
The Scarlet Witch toyed with the braid over her chest and joked with a hint of amusement,
"All you have to do is make yourself weak enough, and the pain of your parent's passing can no longer affect you. Better yet, make sure you experience something more painful than this every day. A little bittersweet pain, tinged with relief, makes a lovely surprise to brighten up a dull day."
Murphy curled his lip, helped Triss back to her tent,