Chapter 208 A Return to Laughter and Tears


    Leslie’s POV


    82


    +8 Pearls


    I was in the top–level hospital suite, with Carl feeding me pieces of meat like I was some fragile cub.


    Father Lars sat nearby, watching me with tender eyes, as though I were the most delicate treasure in the world.


    Truth be told, with the Alpha’s powerful self–healing and the royal family’s finest medicine, most of my wounds had already healed. But they insisted on “rest.”


    I was just about to protest when a familiar, almost chaotic voice rang out beyond the door.


    “…Move! I’m her best friend! I need to see her!”


    “I told you, the Queen needs rest! No outsiders allowed!”


    I frowned slightly. “That sounds like Astrid…”


    Carl, skeptical, went to check. When he returned, three tear–streaked faces followed behind him–Astrid, Am, and… Eric.


    Eric looked the worst of all.


    That face, usually refined and delicate like some fairy’s, was shadowed with stubble. His clothes were wrinkled, his frame gaunt, his whole presence worn and defeated.


    “Leslie…” Astrid broke into sobs the moment she saw me, flinging herself into my arms.


    Am tried to follow, but Carl snagged her by the back of her cor.


    “One at a time! Don’t jostle my sister’s injuries!”


    Uncharacteristically, Am didn’t argue with him. Those usually cool, sharp eyes were filled with raw worry and lingering fear.


    “You’re hurt?”


    I patted Astrid’s trembling back gently, forcing a light smile toward Am.


    “I’m fine. Almost healed.”


    But as soon as I spoke, Eric–the Frost Pack’s future Alpha heir–copsed to his knees beside my bed with a thud and began bawling like a child robbed of candy.


    <b>9:10 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>18 …


    Chapter 208 A Return to Laughter and Tears


    The sorrowful atmosphere broke instantly.


    <b>82 </b>


    +8 Pearls


    Even Father Lars couldn’t pretend not to notice. With a helpless sigh, he rose and left the room. I could almost hear him muttering outside: “Anyone passing by would think someone actually died…”


    Carl stared at Eric’s dramatic wailing until he couldn’t stand it anymore and slipped out for some air.


    It took Am considerable effort to drag Eric up from the floor.


    “What are you crying for? Leslie’s back, safe and sound. You should be happy!”


    But Eric only clung tighter to the sleeve of my hospital gown, sobbing without shame.


    “I thought you were dead… Leslie… you scared me half to death…” His voice cracked and broke with every word.


    Astrid sniffled too, the sadness spreading again, though Eric was the first to utterly lose control.


    “Leslie, you didn’t even tell us you were back. We all thought you really died. We’ve been suffering this whole time!”


    My nose stung, the weight of guilt pressing down on me.


    “I’m sorry. I was afraid if I showed up suddenly, I’d shock you all. I nned toe once I’d fully recovered.”


    Even Am, usually soposed and proud, couldn’t stop her tears.


    “It’s fine. You’re home, that’s what matters… Leslie, surviving such trials means greater fortune awaits you.”


    They pressed me for details of what had happened.


    I didn’t bother to hide much, recounting the harrowing ordeal in broad strokes.


    Those brushes with death–now, they almost felt like a story from another life.


    Astrid and Am grew more animated as I spoke, their pride in me shining through.


    Eric, though, sat silent, his expression darkening more with each word.


    When I finished, I nudged him lightly with my foot and frowned.


    “Eric, why aren’t you reacting at all?”


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    9:10 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b>Sep 18 G


    …


    :


    <b>82 </b>


    Chapter 208 A Return to Laughter and Tears


    He covered his face, looking hollowed out, his voice thick with regret and frustration.


    “Why… wasn’t it me who saved you?”


    “Why… was it Kirby again?”


    The room froze in a silence sharp enough to hear a pin drop.


    Damn it. Eric and his nonsense again.


    +8 Pearls


    Am shot him a re, then quickly blocked my view of him, forcing a smile as she shifted the subject.


    “Carris suddenly leaked the video, that’s how we found out. You’re the hottest topic on the continent now–reporters everywhere are looking for you!”


    Borrowing Am’s phone, I checked. It was true–my name was burning across every channel, eyes of the world fixed on me.


    I pressed my lips together, not especially surprised, though irritation red that Carris hadn’t given me any warning.


    “Let Thorbane handle the reporters.”


    Send Gifts


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