She let out a sigh of relief, took out those few pieces of meat, quickly rinsed them under clean water, and found an old knife in the kitchen to cut them into small pieces.
Then, she casually threw them into the pot, poured in a bit of oil, and began frying.
The meat sizzled in the hot pan.
The aroma gradually spread, carrying a hint of char, making one’s mouth water involuntarily.
"Do you want some?"
Selene Kane looked down at the Little Fox squatting beside her.
The meat in the pot was still turning over, occasionally splattering oil, reflecting in her slightly tired yet still bright eyes.
She picked up a freshly fried piece with chopsticks, gently blew on it, and extended it towards Alza.
Alza lightly jumped onto the table, his tail flicked gently in the air, landing steadily on the edge of the wooden table.
He tilted his head slightly, gently rubbing against her palm.
His nose sniffed at the enticing aroma.
Selene was glad she had picked a larger piece earlier, though it wasn’t a premium cut, the portion was adequate.
She had a small appetite, couldn’t eat much normally, so she picked up the knife and carefully cut half for Alza, even choosing the tenderest part, gently placing it on the small plate in front of him.
The blade met the porcelain plate, making a soft "crack" sound.
Unexpectedly, despite his small size, he ate quite aggressively.
Taking a bite, his teeth sunk deeply into the meat, and his ears slightly twitched as he chewed.
Such a thick piece of meat was swallowed by him in just two or three bites before Selene Kane realized.
As he swallowed, his throat visibly moved.
Alza licked his lips contentedly, his tongue curled over his whiskers, even cleaning the last bit of grease.
His belly had already swelled up roundly, like a small ball stuck beneath him.
Yet he was too embarrassed to say he wanted more, his paws slightly retracting, his tail subconsciously curling in front.
He felt he was just too pathetic.
Why couldn’t he control his mouth at the sight of delicious food, like a stray who hadn’t eaten for days, with no sense of decorum at all?
He wasn’t a cub anymore, he should have learned to restrain himself by now.
But when that flavor reached his nose, reason collapsed instantly.
He couldn’t help feeling a bit sad, not just because of greed, but because...
He couldn’t do anything for Selene.
Now he realized Selene was living like this, in such a simple cabin, surviving on scraps of meat.
Would she feel he was a miserable fox?
Unable to afford a decent meal, only able to wait eagerly for her to spare him a bite to eat?
After all, those Beastmen around her all seemed mighty and dignified.
Wasn’t each one capable of handling things on their own?
Selene gently stroked his head, fingertips softly brushing over his fluffy fur, saying tenderly, "I won’t despise you, really. Looks like you haven’t had enough, would you like more? I have some left."
Alza didn’t hear the first part at all, just immersing himself in her warm caress.
That sensation was like a spring breeze, gently brushing his heart.
Making him involuntarily squint, his ears subtly twitching, even letting out a low, contented purr from his throat.
"No, I’m full."
His voice was very quiet, almost like a whisper, yet his tail subtly wagged.
If he could transform now, his face would surely be flushed red.
Even the tip of his ears would be burning like fire, wishing he could dig a hole to hide in.
Selene didn’t insist, gently withdrew her hand, laughed a little, then picked up a piece of meat intending to put it in her own mouth.
She knew a fox’s pride was strong.
Especially ones like Alza, who had been independent since a young age, preferring starvation over asking.
It was getting late; outside the window, the sky had already turned completely dark.
Eating too much is bad for the body.
Especially for him, weak constitution, digestive system not as robust as other Beastmen, smaller, more frequent meals are safer.
She just picked up a piece of meat, the chopsticks half an inch from her mouth.
A piercing alarm tore through the night sky.
The sound was so sharp it almost pierced the eardrums.
With a bang, the door was forcefully pushed open.
The wooden door slammed against the wall with a huge noise, dust from the door frame falling in wisps.
Caleb Shaw walked in, tall silhouette, steady strides, wet black hair still dripping water, sliding along his neck into the half-open collar.
Steam still emanated from him, clashing with the cold air outside, creating a faint mist.
He held a gun in his hand, muzzle pointing down.
"Duke Osborne has lost control mentally, the situation is urgent, I must go at once."
Selene Kane was startled.
Her originally calm eyes suddenly tightened, her heart skipped a beat.
Duke Osborne?
Isn’t he one of Lady Lynn’s Beastmen, Ethan Sinclair and Ethan’s father?
The name was like a cold stone, heavily striking her heart’s lake, stirring layers of ripples.
The Duke noted for his distinguished reputation in noble circles, for being gentle and elegant, turned out to be one of Lady Lynn’s companions?
And also Ethan Sinclair’s father?
"What’s going on? How could he lose control?"
Selene Kane muttered, her voice very low.
She frowned tightly, fingertips unconsciously pinching into her palm.
The minor pain from embedded nails kept her barely awake.
In the Star Sector noble system, once a Beast Husband loses control, it means the mental barrier collapses, Spiritual Energy goes out of control.
At best it harms oneself and others, at worst it triggers a chain riot, potentially affecting the entire Star Sector’s safety.
She suddenly lost her appetite, a tight feeling in her chest, particularly worried for Lady Lynn.
That always graceful and composed female, what had she gone through?
Selene Kane couldn’t picture it, such a female with dignity and grace etched into her bones.
At this moment, was she still maintaining outward calm?
Was she standing alone by the high tower window, trembling at the distant galactic river?
Was she in a corner unseen, silently shedding tears?
Caleb Shaw didn’t intend to explain, the guards had quickly assembled, waiting outside fully equipped.
He stood in the center of the hall, in a sharp black uniform.
His features showed no fluctuation.
He didn’t even glance at Selene Kane, just raised his right hand, making a crisp gesture.
The guards immediately took action.
"Sir, the spaceship is ready."
A guard reported softly, the face beneath the helmet strained like steel.
His voice had been filtered through the communicator.
"Go."
Caleb Shaw uttered just one word.
His expression rigid, exuding an aura so cold it dared not be approached.
Despite being the host to Selene Kane, no longer feigning politeness.
The little surface niceties and etiquette were completely stripped away.
He no longer lowered his head or smiled.
His gaze was like an icy blade, not lingering when sweeping over her face.
This indifference brought a pressure more palpable than any words.
Causing Selene Kane to feel a piercing chill spreading from her feet to her spine.
The spaceship roared into the sky, quickly vanishing beyond the horizon.
The enormous silver-white ship slowly rose, engines spouting fierce blue flames.
Painting the whole sky in a peculiar aura.
The roar rolled like thunder across the firmament, slightly shaking the ground.
Within seconds, the spaceship cut through the clouds like a silver line.
Selene Kane stared toward where the ship departed, her heart weighed heavily.