Chapter 36 My heart stopped. Every werewolf knew the legends about Lycan King's blood. One drop was worth more than most people earned in a lifetime. It was sacred. Precious beyond measure. I stared at him through our masks. And he wanted to use it to save a man he'd never met. For what? "For you. Oh, you sweet little idiot. He literally told you yesterday that he's been in love with you for years. Connect the dots, genius. Esme said. Without thinking, I smacked my forehead with my palm. "Dr. Crawford? Peterson looked at me with concern. "Are you alright?" "Fine, Dr. Peterson." I mumbled, my face burning behind the surgical mask. "Just… processing everything." "Hand me a scalpel," he said after giving me a concerned look. "Your Majesty…" Peterson's hands trembled as he passed the instrument. Caelan took the blade without hesitation. He pulled off his surgical glove and pressed the sharp edge against his palm. Blood welled up immediately. But this wasn't ordinary blood - it gleamed with an almost golden shimmer, like liquid starlight. Three drops fell into Gabriel's IV line. I held my breath, watching the monitors. Gabriel's face relaxed almost immediately. The gray pallor faded. His breathing deepened and steadied. The heart monitor's erratic beeping transformed into a strong, regular rhythm. He's going to live. Tears pricked my eyes. I looked at Caelan, gratitude overwhelming every other emotion. He was smiling. I could tell even through his mask. "Keep working," he said, turning toward the door. 'Finish saving him." "Cae, Your Majesty, wait." I caught his arm as he passed. "Your hand needs to be bandaged." He held up his palm and flexed his fingers. The cut was already sealing itself. He wiggled his fingers playfully. "Perks of being ridiculously powerful. Ill be back to my usual magnificent self any minute now Right. Lycon King Super healing. How did I forget that? And this is the same man who claimed he needed protection from Moonridge's dangerous streets because his 'delicate royal hands couldn't handle hardship. I rolled my eyes internally He paused at the door and looked back one final time. Then he was gone. Listen 曲 Content Dark Comments Setting Rewards 7:19 pm 20 Chapter 36 Gabriel's surgery had been a complete success. By the time we'd closed him up and transferred him to post op, relief flooded through me. He's going to live. Thanks to Coelan. 1 stripped off my surgical gloves and mask, depositing them in the medical waste bin. The other surgical team members were already dispersing, but 1 needed to thank Caelan. How do you thank someone for literally giving their blood to save a stranger? I made my way through the sterile corridors toward the main lobby, assuming he'd returned to his makeshift waiting area. But as I rounded the corner near the administrative offices, familiar voices made me pause. Your Majesty, please wait a moment." Dr. Peterson's voice carried clearly through the empty hallway. I stopped short, recognizing Caelan's deeper tones responding. 1 pressed myself against the wall, just out of sight around the corner. "Forgive my boldness, but I must ask…" Peterson's voice dropped lower, though his words remained distinct. "Why did you save Gabriel William? Do you know him? A silver miner cast out from his pack - for someone of your stature…" Silence stretched between them. I held my breath, waiting for Caelan's response. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and thoughtful. "Every life has value, Dr. Peterson." That's such a diplomatic answer. But then he continued, and his words made my heart skip: "Sometimes, though, a person's worth isn't about who they are. It's about… who cares for them." My breathing stopped completely. Is he talking about… me? "I don't quite understand…" Peterson sounded genuinely confused. "When you see someone fighting desperately for another person's life," Caelan explained quietly, "you realize that caring itself is worth protecting. Peterson nodded slowly. "So you're saying… you care about Gabriel?" A soft smile colored Caelan's voice. "You could put it that way." "I see! Peterson's tone suddenly brightened with understanding. 'Your Majesty, I completely understand now!" 1 frowned. Understand what? Peterson lowered his voice to what he probably thought was a conspiratorial whisper: "Your Majesty, please rest assured - Ill absolutely keep your secret. Your special preferences are completely understandable." Carlan's voice went flat. "What?" "Modern society is very open minded, Peterson continued enthusiastically, patting what I assumed was Carlan's shoulder. Even though Gabriel is a bit ulder and not conventionally handsome, true love transcends appearance and age, right?" I clamped both hands over my mouth to stifle a laugh. Oh my god, he thinks Cuslan and Gabriel are… "Dr. Peterson, I think you've misunderstood Carlan's voice carried a note of growing alarm 'No, no, I completely understand! Peterson's excitement was practically radiating through the walls. You, a mighty Lycan King, falling in love with an ordinary silver miner what pure, romantic love! A romance that transcends social class! 2/3 Chapter 36 The silence that followed was so profound I could practically feel Caelans stunned disbelief. And you were willing to give your precious royal blood for him such deep devotion is truly moving! Peterson's voice now held the wonder of someone witnessing a fairy tale. Your Majesty, you're so romantic! I was shaking with suppressed laughter, tears streaming down my cheeks as I fought to stay silent. Caclan's voice emerged through gritted teeth: 'Dr. Peterson, you really have this wrong. Gabriel and I don't have any kind of- "I understand, I understand! Peterson interrupted with vigorous agreement. "Keeping it low-key is wise, considering your position. But Your Majesty, I must warn you - Gabriel just underwent major surgery. He'll need at least three months of recovery before he can… ahem… engage in strenuous activity." I could practically hear Caelan's temple throbbing from here. Peterson continued with well-meaning concern: "And silver miners tend to have rougher constitutions. Your delicate royal body might need time to adjust…" "Enough!" Caelan's composure finally cracked. "Dr. Peterson, I have absolutely no inappropriate thoughts about Gabriel!" Peterson sounded shocked. "Your Majesty? You're not planning to love him and leave him, are you? That wouldn't be right!" "I didn't do it for him!" Caelan's voice rose several octaves. "Then who did you do it for?" Peterson asked with genuine confusion. Caelan paused. "For… someone worth protecting." Peterson's voice suddenly brightened with a new realization: "Wait… Your Majesty, you don't happen to like Dr. Sable Crawford, do you?" THUMP! I jerked backward so quickly that my shoulder collided with the wall behind me. The sound echoed through the corridor like a gunshot. "Hmm? What was that noise?" Peterson asked curiously.