The rhythmic thud of combat boots in the mansion courtyard sounded like a racing heartbeat. Inside her room, Ruby stood frozen behind tightly drawn curtains. her hands were clenched, bunching the silk of her nightgown. “You’re being childish, Ruby,” Lilian’s voice echoed in her mind. The Ancient wolf let out a disgruntled purr, sensing her host’s volatile emotions. “I’m angry because I’m worried about him, Lilian!” Ruby snapped back internally. “Is he doubting me? Does he think I’m just a liability who’s going to get him killed on the battlefield?” “No,” Lilian countered, her tone calmer, almost wise. “He doesn't doubt your strength. He loves you with a possessive, dangerous intensity. He can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you because, to him, you are his life. If you get hurt, his focus shatters—and that is the only way he truly loses.” Hearing Lilian’s words, the burning heat in Ruby’s chest began to cool, replaced by a suffocating sense of guilt. She remembered how
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