Crystal’s POV:


    Rufus and I didn’t return until nightfall, just after the sun had dipped below the horizon. Ian was bouncing up and down with wild abandon, enjoying himself with Rin and his brothers


    As the night crèpt in, I asked Rufus to help me taken home.


    Rin apanied us to the edge of the forest, though she appeared hesitant to part ways, digging the balls of her feet into the thick mud.


    With a heavy heart, I crouched and embraced her. “I live in the imperial pce now. If you ever wish to see me, seek me there.”


    Rin whimpered, a mournful cry escaping her mouth. She ryed her understanding with a gentle swipe of her w.


    “Let’s go,” I dered. Rufus sped my hand firmly and bid farewell to Rin, a warm smile on his face:


    Beryl and Arron had now taken up residence in Laura’s pce, while Rufus escorted me back to his own pce, adamant that I should not return to my own dwelling. He made it clear that from now on, I was to stay solely within his domain.


    Resistance was futile; I knew I couldn’t win the argument. I chose topromise. Besides, Rufus would remain a constant presence in my life no matter where I lived.


    A small, secret smile yed at the corners of my lips.


    Yana sensed my thoughts and snorted in my mind, the sound pulling me out of my muddle. “You’re really in love,” she said. “Gee, why do I have goosebumps?”


    I chuckled, retorting, “Oh, stop it. You are just like me.


    Yana clicked her tongue in defeat, aware that she could not win this argument. She chose to remain silent, pressing her thin lips together.


    Rufus andn had met for the first time, and Rufus’ behavior surprised me. He was not known for his patience with anyone other than me, yet he took it upon himself to attend ton’s wounds and offer him a shower He hadn’t needed my assistance throughout the entire, arduous process.


    I was merely a bystander, talking withn and keeping himpany


    The following morning, with Ian looking revitalized and presentable, Rufus and I took him to Laura’s pce.


    Along the way, Ian was brimming with excitement, wagging his tail and barking at every soldier and servant who crossed his path.


    While I found Ian’s behavior endearing, to an outsider, he appeared menacing


    Thus I did my best to preventn from rming the others. “Don’t frighten people, Ian,” I cautioned. “It’s their first encounter with you, and they may not appreciate vour enthusiasm.”


    As I nced at him, I knew heprehended my message, yet he chose to feign ignorance. Frustrated, I decided to make myself clear. “If you ever frighten them again, forget about our trip to see Beryl.” At my warning, Ian’s behavior instantly transformed. He emitted a couple of gentle howls and then affectionately rubbed himself against my trousers, exhibiting an exemry demeanor.


    Rufus let out a chuckle. ‘He’s quite clever, isn’t he?”


    I fondly pattedn’s head and exined to Rufus, “He takes after his mother, mischievous whenever he can. But thankfully, he’s obedient to Beryl. He does whatever shemands. I wonder what will happen when he sees Bervl.”


    What I meant was’ that takingn to see Beryl was a good way to test thetter.


    “Let’s go.” Rufus pinched the skin of my palm, jolting me out of my thoughts. He then motioned for me andn to follow him.


    As soon as we reached Laura’s pce, we found Beryl and Arron engrossed in building blocks at the round table in the garden.


    At the sight ofn, Arron’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open in amazement. “Is that Ian, Mommy?” he eximed.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    “Yes, it’sn.” I confirmed his suspicion with a smile and a pat on Ian’s head, urging him to go y with the children.


    Arron rushed over to Ian, throwing his arms around his neck in an exuberant embrace.


    I shifted my gaze towards Beryl, who remained rooted to the spot, as if she didn’t know Ian at all.


    I grew cautious and yed dumb. “Why don’t you hugn, Baby Beryl?


    Aren’t you best friends?” I asked Bervl.


    “Beryl,e here quickly,” Arron urged, noting her cold unresponsiveness.


    He walked toward her and reached out to grab her hand.


    Suddenly, Ian emitted a fierce growl and took a menacing step towards the children.


    In a sh, before anyone could react, he charged towards Arron.


    Taken back, I wondered what happened to tan. “Stop, Ian!” My efforts were in vain; it was already toote. Ian pounced on Arron.


    As everyone anticipated an impending attack,n sped Arron in his mouth and swiftly took him away from Beryl’s reach.


    The reverberating roar of the wolf resounded across the entire pce. Ian stood guard in front of Arron, clenching his jaw and ring at Beryl with animosity.