Wyatt Yardley turned his face, staring into Gideon Larkin’s eyes, not immediately speaking.
After a long moment, he coldly spat out a sentence.
"Have you thought it through? My agreeing is pointless. Whether she’ll let you stay or not is another matter."
She didn’t immediately respond to his decision, but first let him face reality.
The decision to break the contract does not entirely rest with her.
Seraphina Caldwell is the real master here; her intentions are key.
She’s already given too much.
If Gideon still doesn’t know how to cherish her, she’d rather personally sever it all.
Gideon nodded, his eyes unwavering.
"I know. But whether she agrees or not, I won’t change."
He understood that Seraphina might not accept his return, might even fiercely reject him.
But he didn’t care anymore.
This time, he was not staying to gain something.
But instead, to give himself an explanation.
Even if he’s turned away, he would have no regrets.
Wyatt said nothing further, just lightly draped his arm back around Seraphina’s waist.
But Gideon knew he was trusted.
Wyatt said nothing more, but his silence itself was a response.
He chose to observe, chose to give Gideon a chance.
Gideon’s heart relaxed.
He knew this was only the beginning and the real test lay ahead.
Isaac Vaughn breathed a sigh of relief.
For Seraphina to bring up breaking the contract would be even harder to say.
For everyone, this might not be a bad thing.
He watched Seraphina’s downcast eyes, a subtle tension rising inside.
He knew she was always struggling.
Wanting to maintain the completeness of this small group.
With Gideon voluntarily turning back, it might bring her a bit more comfort.
Though the future remained uncertain.
Yet at the moment, this storm had temporarily settled.
The room fell silent again, only everyone’s breathing audible.
Moonlight filtered through the window seams, reflecting on each person’s face.
The next morning.
Seraphina opened her eyes, seeing Isaac standing in front of her with a clay bowl, a faint smile at the corner of his lips.
"Awake? Wash your face, the Kaelan meat is all roasted."
Morning light streamed through the window paper, shining on the edge of the clay bowl.
The water in the bowl was crystal clear, with a freshly plucked petal floating on the surface.
Isaac’s smile was gentle.
He knew some things weren’t to be rushed.
Life had to go on, meals had to be eaten, the road had to be traveled.
And they had to keep moving forward together.
She took the bowl, her fingers gently touching the warm surface of the pottery.
At that moment, a faint warm current seemed to spread along her fingertips.
That feeling was indescribable.
Looking down at the clear water in the bowl, the surface reflected her slightly tired face.
She couldn’t help but whisper to herself.
How useless, even though she knew his identity long ago...
But why does her heart still skip a beat uncontrollably at the sight of this face?
Isn’t it... too easily swayed by appearances?
"Isaac, how’s that restlessness in your body... improved?"
She finally spoke, her voice softened.
She took the thorny fruit branch he handed over, the branch still holding a few tiny reddish fruits.
Her gesture was casual, but the corner of her eye subtly lifted, observing Isaac’s change in expression.
"Mm, with you here, much more comfortable."
Isaac chuckled lightly, his eyes instantly brightened.
Seraphina responded softly.
Yet her heart quietly settled down.
Since he said he’s feeling better, it meant the rage inside was temporarily suppressed.
At least he wouldn’t lose control in the short term.
Therefore, today’s journey wouldn’t be delayed.
They must leave this region quickly, crossing the Oakhaven before the weather turns cold.
She walked to the pool, looking at her reflection in the water’s calm surface.
The morning sunlight shimmering on the water, casting a faint golden glow.
She observed closely, discovering that the dark blotches on her face had mostly faded.
This eased her heart.
Today officially leaving the Leopard Clan, from here onwards the beastfolk would be scarce.
Even if occasionally seen, they wouldn’t attract too much attention or cause a stir.
Moreover, she never intended to live a lifetime relying on disguise.
After washing her face and coming out, the air was already filled with the rich aroma of roasted meat.
Kaelan was crouched by the fire, holding a thick iron fork, expertly flipping some sizzling pork.
Gideon crouched beside a stone pot, tossing red fruits into the boiling soup while incessantly asking, "Do these fruits need to cook longer to taste sweet?"
Clearly trying to learn the craft, to cook for his tribe when he returns.
Seraphina watched this scene, unable to suppress a slight smile on her lips.
Gideon isn’t usually this diligent.
This guy is typically laid-back and playful, now so eager, likely his mating season has come.
Trying to seize the chance, to attract the attention of the opposite sex.
"Seraphina! Come quickly!"
Gideon grinned as soon as he saw her walk over from the pool, waving the fork in his hand.
He casually handed over a piece of roasted, shiny, slightly charred meat.
"Saved for you, fatty pieces always smell the best, you said so."
Seraphina took the piece of meat, feeling the scorching heat on her fingertips, yet couldn’t help but wonder.
Why would Gideon suddenly be so passionate towards her?
Although traveling together for a while, they were companions.
But it’s unlikely he’d remember her preference for fatty meat?
Most likely related to his mating season.
However... not a bad thing, better than him getting upset on the journey.
She thought no more, choosing a flat stone to sit on, lowering her head to dig into the fragrant roast.
Grease trickled down the corner of her mouth, which she lightly wiped away with the back of her hand.
Meanwhile, the red fruit soup bubbled spiritedly.
The sour yet sweet aroma filled the nose, quite appetizing.
She tasted a sip, finding it unexpectedly more savory than her own dish from yesterday.
Perhaps it was the freshness of the ingredients, or maybe Gideon secretly added some special seasoning.
Losing herself in the meal, a sudden sound of steady footsteps came from afar.
Everyone paused, looking up.
Caspian Sterling had arrived.
He was draped in a heavy gray-brown Beast Skin cloak.
His deep-set eyes scanned the camp, finally resting on Seraphina.
Seraphina abruptly stood, respectfully saying, "Patriarch Sutton, what brings you here?"
Caspian did not immediately reply, instead glancing at the pot of boiling stone soup.
The pot stirred with a thick soup of red fruits and wild vegetables, a tantalizing layer of grease on top.
Although he wasn’t sure how it was made specifically.
The aroma was overwhelmingly enticing, streaming into his nose.
"Nothing particular," he slowly spoke, "just came to see if you lack anything."
Seraphina felt warmth in her heart, smiled and thanked him.
"We’re all set, thank you for letting us stay for two nights. We’ll pack up to leave, not wanting to bother the tribe any longer."
After speaking, she turned to gather her bundle.
However, as she took a step, out of the corner of her eye she noticed Caspian’s gaze fixed on her face.
Her steps faltered, heart fluttering.
Caspian uttered a soft "hmm," squinting his eyes, stepping forward.
The once noticeable dark blotches... had lightened significantly since yesterday?
This doesn’t appear to be a natural birthmark.
He was a Hunter with a keen eye for tracking beasts, highly sensitive to subtle traces.
These marks were man-made smears.
Most likely using some plant sap to mask the color.