Your stomach turned, and you fought the urge to take a step away from her.

“Please don't tell me you got that from actual, living people…”

Janine, unaware of your feelings or even your change in tone, kept on smiling.

“I wish! I got all this flesh from the meat market. Only the freshest cuts!”

She pinched the skin on her arm between two fingers, pulled slightly, and let it snap back into place.

“Look how springy it is! I had to go through so many natural oils to get it like this.”

It was impressive. A little freaky, but you couldn't deny the talent and effort that such a creation would require. You might have even complimented her on it, if the thought of monsters buying and selling human flesh wasn't taking up prime real estate in your head right now.

“Quit bothering the girl, Janine.” Shaggy sighed. “Here. Come help me grind up this poultice.”

Janine's face fell, and, with extreme reluctance, she dragged herself over to where Shaggy sat on the floor.

Your brows drew together in confusion.

“Poultice? What for?”

“For you, in case that wound gets infected. Although…I don't see much of a wound anymore.” Shaggy answering, staring up at your face.

Your hand reflexively moved to touch the wound that zombie Were had given you. It didn't burn or itch like it had when you'd first received it. And, now that you were paying attention to it, you realized that the pain was nearly gone completely.

With some subtle prodding, Mercy released your phone to you, and you opened up to your camera app so that you could get a better look at yourself.

In the camera's reflection, your fingers found nothing but tender, pink flesh. It was the only evidence that you'd been injured at all!

This must be your Kumiho healing factor at work. The more you thought about it, the more you realized that Wanda might’ve had a point about all this.

It could turn out to be more of a blessing than a curse. So long as there weren't any unforeseen side effects, that is. And until you could confirm that for yourself, you weren't going to be thanking your mother, or anyone else for doing this to you.

“No visible infection, but I’ll whip something up for you, just in case.”

You nodded gratefully and turned towards the stairs.

“Thanks. I'm gonna head upstairs for a bit. I left something in the guest room.”

“Take as much time as you need, girl. I'll be down here if you need me.” Shaggy said, returning his attention to the open tome propped up before him.

As you ascended the creaky wooden steps, you kept your eyes on the pair until walking past the first floor's ceiling made them impossible to see. In a daze, you entered the second story's hallway and made your way towards the guest bedroom, unsure of why your footing was so certain, despite you never having walked this path. Maybe you were remembering it from when you were still delirious from the summoning ritual.

(Cont.)