Page 58 of Dark Shaman: Eternal Hope
"It's most likely the start of your transition," Julian said. "But we need to give it more time. Sometimes a simple flu or cold can manifest in the same way."
Lokan shook his head in disbelief. Why had it worked with Anandur's bite and not his? Anandur was just a simple immortal, several generations removed from the source, while Lokan was a three-quarters god. Was it really the ceremony that had made all the difference? Or was there something wrong with his venom?
"Can't you check?" Naomi asked Julian. "I mean to rule out a cold or flu. Can't you measure antibodies or something like that?"
Julian cast her a smile. "There will be antibodies in either case. It's the body's first line of defense."
She nodded even though she wasn't happy with the explanation. "How long until we know?"
"If it follows the typical pattern, the fever will build for another day or two, and other symptoms will start to manifest. Losing consciousness is the best sign."
Jeremy grimaced. "I've heard that, and I can't believe that I am actually looking forward to it."
"Sometimes it doesn't happen." Julian looked at something on his tablet. "You are twenty-five and in good health, which meansthat the transition shouldn't be dangerous or too difficult for you. You may or may not lose consciousness." The physician put the tablet aside and turned to look at the large group of people assembled in the living room of Jeremy and Naomi's apartment. "This is good news. Let's hope that Spencer and Dylan will soon follow."
Spencer perhaps had a chance, but since Lokan had been the one to induce Dylan again, he doubted it would turn out differently than it had in the two previous attempts just because Kian had performed the proper ceremony. On the other hand, if it worked for Jeremy, it might work for Spencer.
"Can I come in?" Carol asked.
Jeremy nodded. "Of course."
"I'll get out of your way." Julian rose to his feet and collected his things. "You know where to find me in case you need me."
"Thank you, doc," Jeremy said. "Do I need to stay in bed?"
"Not if you don't feel you have to." Julian paused at the door. "But you need to listen to your body and be careful not to exert yourself. Also, don't take anything for the fever. Let your body fight it naturally."
"Yes, doc." Jeremy saluted.
Once Julian left, Carol sat on the chair he had vacated. "How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Achy and feverish like I've got a nasty flu just without the sore throat and runny nose." Jeremy attempted a smile. "I hate being sick."
"You are not sick. At least I hope you're not. We all hope that this is the start of your transformation, and that your dormant genes are activating, rewriting your biology. Immortality is worth a little discomfort."
Spencer entered the room, leaned against the dresser, and crossed his arms over his chest. "I heard you were showing signs," he said. "I came to investigate."
"Can we come in?" Mollie asked.
"The more the merrier." Jeremy motioned for her and James to enter. "This bedroom is big enough for everyone to join, and you all know how much I love attention."
Naomi chuckled. "We do."
"Still nothing for me," Spencer said, trying for casual and missing by a mile.
"Don't give up yet," Carol said. "Everyone's timeline is different. It has only been one day."
"It might never happen," Spencer said. "We need to face that possibility."
An uncomfortable silence settled over the room. They all knew that not every suspected Dormant carried the godly genes.
"Are congratulations in order?" Onegus asked from the doorway.
"Onegus," Carol said. "I didn't know you were at the keep."
"I was down in the lower levels and heard that good things were happening up here." He walked in and stood next to Jeremy's bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Hopeful," Jeremy said. "The rest is irrelevant."
