Hedwig nodded understandingly, her face lighting up with innocent joy.
She carefully lowered herself onto the lawn and gently pressed a sweet kiss to Tabitha's cheek, her movements as delicate as a butterfly's wings.
Her movements were incredibly gentle, for fear of disturbing Tabitha.
Then, she sat quietly by the pool, watching butterflies dance around them—a scene so serene it could have been plucked from a masterpiece painting.
Tabitha's exhaustion overwhelmed her, her eyelids growing heavier by the second until she drifted into a deep sleep by the pool's edge.
Her long, silk-like hair cascaded down, and without her mask, her porcelain skin glowed.
Compared to before, she seemed even more beautiful now, like a sleeping fairy, radiating an enchanting charm.
Hedwig stayed by her side without disturbing Tabitha, quietly gathering herbs nearby with focused and skillful movements.
The forest creatures adored her—a fawn even wandered over to curl up beside her, allowing Hedwig to stroke its soft coat.
Her eyes kept drifting to Tabitha, filled with concern and reliance.
In her heart, Tabitha was the most important person, and she hoped Tabitha could rest well.
Meanwhile, Derek found himself in an unfamiliar environment, his body extremely weak. To make matters worse, his vision hadn't returned, making every movement a struggle.
Alvin patiently helped Derek familiarize himself with the room, which was small and furnished with carefully crafted bamboo pieces.
"Take it slow," Alvin said, guiding Derek step by step. "There's a small table here with water if you need it."
Misha approached, attempting to assist, but Derek brushed her off.
"I've already told you, there's no need for you to stay. I'll arrange for someone to escort you home," he said coolly.
His irritation stemmed not only from his physical discomfort but also from Misha's persistent presence.
"But I—" Misha began.
Derek impatiently waved his hand, signaling for Alvin and Rolf to leave.
Once they were alone, Derek took a deep breath and spoke firmly. "You've reached an age where you should settle down. I want you to move on. Three years ago, I told you my heart belongs to someone else. I will never marry anyone but her."
Tabitha's face filled his thoughts as he spoke, his resolve unwavering.
"Tabitha left you years ago. If she truly cared, would she have left so decisively? All these years, she might have moved on and started a family with someone else," Misha said.
Before she could finish, a loud crash echoed as Derek smashed a cup on the table.
His face darkened, and he raised his voice, shouting, "Haven't I told you never to speak ill of Tabitha in front of me? Misha, this is the last time—I've said all I need to say. I will never love you, not now, not ever."
Derek's heart burned with anger. Misha's words felt like a blade twisting in his chest.
Seeing his fury, Misha stamped her foot in frustration and shouted, "You're blind, Derek—not just in sight, but in heart! I've given you everything, and you refuse to see it. What does she have that I don't? After all these years, what exactly do you love about her?"
Tears of frustration filled Misha's eyes. She had always loved Derek deeply, yet never received any reciprocation, and her emotions erupted completely at this moment.
"Everything. Now leave," Derek growled, his voice cold and final.
Hearing this, Misha could no longer contain her sorrow and ran out crying.
Alvin, seeing Misha run out, patted Rolf's shoulder helplessly and said, "Have some people follow her. Don't let her wander too far. There are dangerous poisons everywhere outside. We can't afford any responsibility if she gets hurt."
As Alvin spoke, he cast a worried glance in the direction Misha had left.
He knew Misha's stubborn nature all too well and feared she might cause trouble in this unfamiliar and dangerous place.
Rolf followed with a grimace, helpless against the unfolding events.
Alvin entered the room, finding Derek sitting upright, shards of porcelain at his feet.
Sighing, he squatted to clean up the mess. "You're not fully recovered yet, Alpha Derek. Try not to get upset," Alvin said, his voice laced with concern.
He worried Derek's agitation might harm his fragile health.
Derek rubbed his temples, exhaustion seeping into his words. "Find a way to send her home soon," he said.
He too realized Misha's presence only complicated things further.