Chapter 7

Kaelen did not regain consciousness until noon the following day.

Although the excessive blood loss left his mind somewhat hazy, the first words out of his mouth were still about Serafina. "How did the surgery go? Is she okay? Is she awake?"

Seeing his desperate anxiety, Elara, who had kept vigil all night, nodded wearily. Her voice was hoarse as she spoke. "The doctor says she's fine. She just needs to rest for a few months to regain her strength."

Kaelen breathed a sigh of relief, but his nerves remained taut. He threw off the covers, attempting to get out of bed, insisting on seeing Serafina with his own eyes.

No matter how Elara tried to dissuade him, he wouldn't listen, until a nurse came in to hang a new IV bag and forcibly stopped him.

He stared at the large bag of plasma, his eyes flickering with the fire of impatience, his mind already drifting to Serafina’s side. A moment later, he caught a glimpse of an expensive basket of restorative spirit fruits on the table and immediately found an excuse.

"Elara, I called Serafina's parents yesterday. They flew back overnight and should be at the hospital now. Can you help me deliver this fruit basket to them, and while you're there, send my regards and check on her condition?"

Elara looked at him deeply for a long time before finally uttering a soft "Mmh." She picked up the basket and left the ward. Serafina was in the VIP room upstairs.

Just as Elara was about to knock, she noticed the door was slightly ajar. Through the narrow gap, she saw Serafina nestled in the arms of a strange man.

"Elias," Serafina's voice was soft with affection. "Didn't you say you were going to take me to meet your parents? Why did you come alone?"

"I wanted to take you, but you're still recovering. Now isn't the best time. When you're discharged, I'll take you back to my territory to meet them, okay?"

Hearing this, Elara involuntarily clenched her fists. Serafina clearly had a new partner, someone she was already discussing marriage and meeting parents with.

At that moment, a doctor on rounds pushed the door open, startling Serafina and Elias Thorne. Serafina looked up and saw Elara, her face instantly darkening.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

Elara said nothing. She placed the fruit basket on the floor and turned to go back downstairs. Despite her injuries, Serafina used her werewolf constitution to rush out, blocking Elara in the stairwell.

She grabbed Elara's arm, asking sharply, "You aren't planning to run and tattle to Kaelen, are you?"

Elara turned around, catching the flash of panic on Serafina's face.

"Since you have a boyfriend, why do you keep clinging to Kaelen?" Elara asked coldly.

Serafina raised an eyebrow, instantly regaining her composure. "Because I like the feeling of having the best of both worlds. I like watching them dance in the palm of my hand, finding new ways to spoil me. Isn't that obvious?"

"Do you really have to trample on his feelings like this?" Elara questioned.

Sensing the anger in Elara's eyes, Serafina let out a mocking laugh, her tone dripping with triumph. "I have the ability to make both of them lose their minds over me—even an Alpha like Kaelen who has everything. Are you jealous, Elara? If you admit it, maybe I'll be in a good mood and teach you a few tricks someday."

Elara was momentarily speechless, stunned by the sheer arrogance on Serafina's face.

Her silence seemed to fuel Serafina's insolence. Serafina looked her up and down, her gaze finally landing on the ring on Elara's ring finger—the symbol of her status as Luna.

"You're just a spare tire, Elara. What makes you think you have the right to judge me? Let me tell you the truth—I never went abroad to pursue power. I was just hungover after partying all night with two seniors. If Kaelen hadn't been angry at me back then, you never would have dreamed of becoming Mrs. Blackwood!"

The anger Elara had suppressed for so long finally erupted. She raised her hand and slapped Serafina hard across the face.

In truth, Elara hadn't used much force, but Serafina played the part, acting as if she had been dealt a heavy blow, and tumbled down the stairs.

Before Elara could process what had happened, the elevator doors opened, and Kaelen stepped out. He rushed forward, and before Elara could regain her senses, he shoved her violently aside.

He then dashed down the stairs and scooped Serafina up. Seeing her covered in bruises and looking utterly wretched, his face was filled with pained regret.

He glared viciously at Elara, suppressing a roar of rage. "She has never done anything to you! Why would you be so vicious?"

Serafina deliberately displayed the red mark on her cheek, tears streaming down her face as she leaned pitifully into Kaelen's chest. "Forget it, Kaelen. Elara probably still holds a grudge because I used to be your girlfriend. I don't blame her. Let's just go."

Listening to her twist the truth so blatantly, Elara couldn't utter a single word. Looking at Kaelen's face, dark and gloomy enough to drip water, she knew explanation was futile. Nothing she said would change anything.

To her, silence was tantamount to admission. Kaelen didn't say another word. He averted his gaze in utter disappointment.

Then, holding Serafina, he turned and walked away, never once looking back.