I couldn’t help but feel both amused and remorseful at the same time. Tenderly stroking the fur on his head, I said, “Don’t you want to present yourself in the best possible way when you see Beryl again, Ian? Aren’t you afraid that Beryl might dislike your stinky smell?”
When Ian heard this, his bravado dissipated as he took a step back and flicked his tail, gesturing for me to take him for a shower immediately.
My lips quirked up. I was amused by his sudden change in demeanor. “There’s no rush, Ian. I first need to have a doctor examine your wounds. Only then can you take a shower.”
Ian calmed and crouched beside me, nestling against the warmth of my legs.
Rufus, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly spoke up. “What’s wrong with this wild wolf’s leg?” he asked.
“He was born with a congenital disease and had to have an artificial limb surgically implanted,” I explained.
Rufus’s expression grew contemplative as he gazed at Ian. Suddenly, he seemed to have a realization and spoke in an unusual tone. “I think I’ve encountered a wild wolf that looked very much like him before, in the forbidden forest. Could it be his kin?”
Crystal’s POV
My eyes lit up-Ian’s journey to the imperial palace must have been a difficult one. We should reunite Ian with Rin. “Let’s go to the forbidden forest. I’ll explain everything when we get there. ” I grabbed Rufus’ arm and took him toward the forbidden forest.
“Slow down. Don’t run. ” Rufus let me hold his hand and waved at the soldiers, signaling them to fall back. Ian followed us obediently. Although he appeared to be a powerful wild wolf, in reality, he was a cute little wolf strutting with his tail tucked between his legs.
When we reached the entrance of the forbidden forest, I clasped the small whistle hanging around my neck and showed it to Rufus. “You made this whistle for me. Beryl also has a similar one. I made a replica of this one for her. ” Rufus’ eyes were shining with tenderness. He lifted his hand to stroke my cheek and whispered, “You can use this to summon the wild wolves?”
I nodded. “Yes, let me show you.”
I blew the whistle loudly. A few seconds later, Rin and two other wolves darted out. They sprinted so fast that the bushes around them swayed precariously.
“Rin, over here!” I shouted, waving at her.
When she came closer, I didn’t expect Ian, who had taken up position beside my legs, to adopt an attack posture. A deep growl emanated from his throat. I smacked him on the head. “Calm down. She’s your mother.”
Ian whimpered, looking puzzled. He wagged his tail. At this time, Rin pounced on Ian, and both the wolves tussled together.
This visual automatically made me nervous. Ian was physically stronger. He was huge, and his strength far exceeded that of an ordinary wild wolf. If they got into an actual fight, Rin would probably not be able to defeat him.
But contrary to my apprehensions, Ian didn’t put up a defense at all. He simply let his mother strike him repeatedly.
I burst into laughter and nudged Rufus with my elbow. “You can tell that they are indeed family. The female wild wolf who ran the fastest is their mother. Ian is her youngest cub. Before I went to the border, she secretly brought her kid to me. She wanted to give me something to remember her by.”
I sighed. “I never expected that I would be able to return five years later. This feels so light.”
I threw myself into Rufus’ arms, my face beaming with a wide smile. The dark mood that had overwhelmed me these past several days finally lifted a little.
Rufus wrapped his arms around my waist and whispered, “So don’t leave me ever again. If you do, not only will you be cruel to me, but also to them. I can see that they love you immensely.”
After a moment of silence, I slowly nodded and muttered, “I won’t go anywhere. I don’t have the courage to leave everything behind a second time.”
I made this promise not just to Rufus, but also to myself. I could not go back in time; I only had one life. It was better to take a risk again than to spend the rest of my life regretting.
Rufus sighed contentedly and hugged me tightly. “Thank you, Crystal. Thank you for giving me one more chance. ” I nuzzled his chest, my body sagging with relief.
After Rin finished teaching Ian a lesson, she ran back toward us and began pacing in circles around Rufus and me. I bent down to pat her head. After knowing her for so many years, I already knew which spots on her head would make her caper happily when patted. As expected, Rin moaned comfortably and narrowed her eyes, enjoying the attention I was giving her.
Ian’s fur was disheveled. He leaned in close to Rin, who raised her claw to touch his head and licked his fur. Ian happily wagged his tail, his head buried deeply in his mother’s chest.
Mama’s boy. . .
A blood relationship was indeed magical. Even after being separated for so many years, Ian still had some recollection of his family.
The mood was just right. Ian’s two brothers also leaned their heads forward, trying to get close to him.
However, Ian boldly bared his sharp fangs and gnawed fiercely. This action terrified his brothers, causing them to flee.
Rufus and I stood rooted to the ground, stunned.
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 crept in, I asked Rufus to help me take lan home.
Rin accompanied 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 palace now. If you ever wish to see me, seek me there.”
Rin whimpered, a mournful cry escaping her mouth. She relayed her understanding with a gentle swipe of her claw.
“Let’s go,” I declared. Rufus clasped 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 palace, while Rufus escorted me back to his own palace, 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 to compromise. Besides, Rufus would remain a constant presence in my life no matter where I lived.
A small, secret smile played 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 and lan 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 to lan’s wounds and offer him a shower He hadn’t needed my assistance throughout the entire, arduous process.
I was merely a bystander, talking with lan and keeping him company The following morning, with Ian looking revitalized and presentable, Rufus and I took him to Laura’s palace.
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 prevent lan from alarming the others. “Don’t frighten people, Ian,” I cautioned. “It’s their first encounter with you, and they may not appreciate vour enthusiasm.” lan cocked his head to the side, bewildered at my warning.
As I glanced at him, I knew he comprehended 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 exemplary demeanor.
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