---- 7 The carpet muffled their dragging footsteps as they left. Low moans and heavy breathing intertwined, adding a touch of forbidden desire to the silent night. After they were gone, I lay in the hospital bed clutching the recording crystal, torturing myself by watching the images it captured. Since discovering Kieran's betrayal, I'd planted these crystals in every corner where he spent time. Kieran would never know that Scarlett's claim about sedatives was just casual talk-or maybe she actually hoped I'd be awake to witness it all. After what felt like hours, Scarlett returned to my room. She injected me with something, whispering softly, ''Don't blame me. Blame yourself for getting pregnant with Alpha's child at such an inconvenient time." The next day, I woke from searing pain. Kieran still sat beside my bed, his eyes bloodshot from ---- staying awake all night. Scarlett's face was full of smiles. "Alpha Blackwood, Luna's fever has broken. You should get some rest-after all, you worked so hard all night." She emphasized the word "worked," making it sound incredibly suggestive. Kieran glared at her, then turned to me with concern. "Are you feeling better? How did you suddenly get so sick? I shouldn't have let you go home alone." I weakly pulled my hand away from his grip, frowning. "Dirty." Kieran's heart seemed to skip a beat. Inexplicable panic rose within him, his bandaged hand hovering awkwardly in the air. I smiled faintly. ''I sweated so much all night. I feel sticky all over. I want to shower and change clothes first." Kieran visibly relaxed. ---- When I came out of the shower, Scarlett was nowhere to be seen. Kieran approached to take my hand, noticing how I stared at his bandaged fingers with evasive eyes. "T got caught in the crossfire while breaking up that fight last night. The doctor says it's nothing serious, though my fingers won't regain full dexterity. But it won't affect daily life, so you don't need to worry about me too much." I kept a straight face. "Really? Who did it? I should thank them for showing mercy and not completely crippling your hand." Kieran smiled evasively. "It was too chaotic-I couldn't see clearly. Let's go get something to eat first." As soon as I sat at the breakfast table, Kieran produced two fashion show tickets like a magician, his eyes full of adoration. "Are you happy? I'll go with you tomorrow night. You can buy anything you like." Iremembered casually complimenting some new