Third Person’s POV
The next day, Lance and Tommy braved the snow to arrive.
Though male visitors were usually restricted, the manager made an exception for Lance to see Sidney.
Seeing Lance’s snow–covered journey, AdeChapter 290
Th
Arnold tried to console Adide, “The medication and injections are easing her difort. At least until the end, she won’t suffer as much.”
As a doctor, she’d witnessed many patients pass away. Sidney’s case filled her with regret and a sense of injustice.
How unfortunate could one be–to be abandoned by her mate and daughters?
Her birth pack couldn’t help either, stationed far away and unable to visit her even in winter.
Usually, when someone with ill intent meets a bad end, people might say they deserved it. But Sidney, kind–hearted and full of good deeds, shouldn’t have ended up like this.
“Paisley, you head back to the capital tomorrow. I’ll stay here with Sidney,” Adide said, wiping her tears.
“I can’t let her be without family by her side.”
Paisley, a loyal friend, replied, “I’ll stay with you. As for Avery, Greenwood has guest rooms for male visitors. He can stay there.”
“Christmas ising. The center will be cold and lonely. You’ll suffer here,” Adide said.
“I endured the battlefield’s hardships. What’s a little more suffering?” Paisley responded.
Adide, fidgeting with her handkerchief, suddenly paused at Paisley’s words.
Germain’s interest in Paisley–was it because she had been to war?
No, that couldn’t be it, Adide shook her head.
If a royal with militarymand had such thoughts, it might be possible.
But Germain only had five hundred wolf pack warriors. Even as the Alpha of a pack in Blue Ridge State without militarymand, Lycan Erasmus likely had many spies watching him.
Moreover, he wasn’t particrly talented. How could he dare to harbor thoughts of rebellion?
Too far–fetched. Adide couldn’t believe it, thinking he was likely just trying to consolidate power in Blue Ridge State.
Adide dismissed the idea but remained cautious<b>–</b>some things, though absurd, could be driven by human desire.
Who knew if Germain was feigning ignorance?
He might be deeply cunning.
His pack was the closest to the capital.
Strangely, despite simr personalities with Alpha Howell, Howell stayed in the capital, while Germain left to build the ckthorn Pack territory.
Perhaps the old Lycan King also found him hard to read, so he ced him in Blue Ridge State to keep an eye on things.
The old Lycan King had foresight, stationing most of his brothers far from the capital, stripping them of militarymand. Even with ambitions, theycked the means to act.
But the old Lycan King wasn’t omniscient. On their own territory, they could secretly recruit werewolf warriors, bypassing the kingdom’s watch.
Such incidents had urred before.
What puzzled Adide was why Germain, with little influence, dared to propose to a Stephens family daughter, especially Paisley, who had distinguished herself on the battlefield.
That night, Adide and Paisley stayed in the small courtyard. With only one bed, they shared it.
Neither could sleep.
Paisley had picked at her dinner, eating little.
Adide hadn’t eaten at all. Seeing Sidney like that weighed heavily on her heart.
“Adide, I want to infiltrate the Blue Abyss Pack and kill Germain,” Paisley blurted after tossing and turning.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Do you want to drag your whole family into ruin?” Adide chided.
Adide nced sideways at her and said, “Are you worried your family will agree to this?”
Paisley, hands behind her head, said, “I don’t know if my family would agree. My father certainly wouldn’t. My grandfather dotes on me, but he might not approve either. But the Stephens family desperately needs a female werewolf to be a royal mate and restore our reputation. I fear the pack pressure will force my grandfather and father toply.”
“Even if they agree, you won’t be Germain’s Luna,” Adide said.
“I won’t mate with him,” Paisley asserted.
Her voice faltered, “But if they proceed, another female from the pack will have to bear the consequences. How can I bear others sacrificing for me?”
She was anxious to return to the Stephens Pack immediately.
“Are you going back?” Adide asked.
“I want to, but I can’t. Didn’t you say Prune left people for me?” Paisley replied.
Adide hummed in acknowledgment, pulled the covers over her head, and silent tears slid down her
cheeks.
Neither slept much. At dawn, they rose.
Adide prepared oatmeal and fed Sidney. Perhaps touched by a family member’s care, Sidney ate half a bowl.
“Quite an improvement. Usually, she only manages a few bites. Without nutritional supplements, she might not have made it this far,” Arnold remarked.
She added, “If only her children would visit, there might still be hope.”
Adide felt a heavy ache in her chest. As she left the room, she saw Paisley returning and asked, “Where did you go?”
Paisley tightened her cloak, her white fox–trimmed cor hiding her jawline, her eyes bloodshot from fatigue. “I sent a message, asking her to investigate.”
Adide quietly acknowledged with a “Hmm.”
Paisley offered a bitter smile. “I fear the Stephens family will agree–then we’d be aplices<b>, </b>aiding Germain in harming Sidney.”
Adide remained silent, her heart heavy with unease.
Lance gently wiped her tears, cupping her face in his hands. “Let’s <i>go </i>see her,” he said softly.
As Lance led Adide in, Sidney’s tears of joy showed she hadn’t mistaken the genuine affection in Lance’s
eyes.
She had feared he’d reject Adide for her second mating, but seeing his tender gaze, she finally felt relieved.
Lance spoke softly, “Sidney, rest easy. I’ll always treat Adide well.”
Overwhelmed with joy, Sidney couldn’t stop crying.
Lance’s visit was like a ray of light. She had felt she owed Air’s spirit an apology, but now, seeing Adide thriving in her second mating bond, she could face Air in peace.
Her improved mood even boosted her appetite. That day, she finished an entire bowl of oatmeal, giving everyone hope.
But Lance could only stay half a day before returning to the capital. The holiday season, spanning fifteen days withnterns and decorations, required his presence.
During this time, Lycan Erasmus would attend the Moon Goddess Altar and join citizens at the city square to watch fireworks.
The royal guards and patrol teams had to prepare in advance, ensuring the square’s grandstand was ready for Lycan Erasmus and government officials.
After visiting Sidney, Adide and Lance talked in a small cabin outside the Greenwood Convalescent Center.
Avery had stayed there once. Though simple, the ce was neat, with tidy bedding and clean, if old, furniture.
Adide updated Lance on the Blue Abyss Pack’s situation. Lance was shocked.
“This is utterly absurd. No legitimate heir? How can these reasons hold any weight?” he asked.
“There’s always a rationale people can ept, like serious illness,” Adide said, her heart heavy.
“Actually, he wants to mate with Paisley? What on earth is Germain thinking?”
Lance frowned, his sharp,mind quickly grasping theplexity.
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Like Adide, he sensed danger if Germain persisted.
s<b>. </b>
The Stephens family, though not in royal service, held significant influence in the eastern regions with officials in local governments and substantial family businesses.
While not the wealthiest in the kingdom, theirmercial reach made them formidable.
Meanwhile, Germain’s breeder, Maya, hailed from a affluent family in the Blue Ridge State.
His motives for targeting Paisley, a Stephens daughter with battlefield honors, were far from simple.
“I’ll keep an eye on it,” Lance said after a moment.
Thinking of how he was now wary of Lycan Erasmus, Lance said softly, “We’ll have to investigate in secret.”
Adide understood. She recalled the tough battle at the southern border. Since returning, Lance had been seemingly honored but was actually distrusted by Lycan Erasmus. He’d lostmand of the Royal Army.
If their investigation into royalty was discovered, Erasmus’s distrust could worsen.
“Perhaps it’s best to let it go,” she suggested.
Lance smiled warmly, brushing her cheek. “How could I? If war erupts, it’s our soldiers and civilians who’ll suffer.”
“I know. I was just venting,” Adide sighed.
Only a truemander understood the cost of war.
“Don’t worry. I’ll tread carefully,” Lance reassured her, his fingers gently caressing her face.
“Given Sidney’s condition, I’m afraid you can’t leave yet. I’lle back for you before the Christmas’s Eve royal ball.”
“Alright!” Adide agreed, though with reluctance.
Lance lingered, cing a light kiss on her forehead before departing with Tommy.
Back in the courtyard, Adide found Arnold helping Sidney take her medicine.
The potion, once half–vomited, was now kept down.
Seeing Adide enter, Sidney’s gaunt face brightened. “Adide, you’re here,” she said.
Adide sat by the <i>bed</i>, taking the medicine bowl from Arnold. “Let me feed you,” she said.
“Thank you,” Arnold stepped back.
As Adide prepared to feed her, Sidney stopped her. “Adide, remember this: if anything happe. 0 me, don’t seek me. Just live your life to the fullest.”
“Sidney, don’t talk like that. Your condition is improving. There’s no need for such talk,” Adide interrupted sternly.
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“Everyone must face death eventually,” Sidney smiled bitterly. “Sometimes, living is a torment, and death <b>a </b>relief.”
“Sidney!” Adide’s face darkened. “I don’t want to hear this.”
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