"It seems the poison didn't come from the wolf, but from Violetbane. Did you come into contact with it in any way? Was there any Violetbane around when you fought the feral wolf?"
James frowned deeply, confusion and dread warring on his face. "Impossible. I always take note of my surroundings when I hunt. I didn't see any Violetbane."
His eyes drifted back down to his leg. The discoloration had spread further now, the numbness creeping higher with every passing second. Recognition slowly dawned on his face, followed by something far worse.
His expression collapsed.
"I've seen this before," he whispered hoarsely. "Others who were poisoned by Violetbane… they looked like this."
His breath hitched.
"It's over for me…"
The villagers beside him fell silent, their faces draining of color. Even they seemed to have lost hope, as if the verdict had already been passed.
Bruce straightened slightly.
