Chapter 224
224
224
Adelaide’s POV
This task demanded heaps of time and energy–no quick fix.
Eyeing the stack of drafts on my desk, I knew it would take two or three months solo.
A soft sigh escaped me–sure wish Craig were here.
+5 Free Coins
Craig had this razor–sharp observation and thinking. Glance at a doc, it was seared into his memory. When he wrote, it was like he had a muse whispering in his ear–quick and smooth.
I’d been at this for days, eyes raw and burning, yet the plan was still not shaping up.
Lance only popped by once after Cedric started talking, then vanished.
Seems being a “Supreme Court chief judge” really shackled him. Must be tough learning the ropes from scratch.
When he visited, he was spouting legal jargon–community service sentences, prison terms–like he was hexed.
It broke my heart a little.
I told him he didn’t need to memorize every law. There were law books for reference , and his staff were well–versed.
But he insisted, “How can I lead a court without knowing the law? Either do it right or not at all.”
I joked, “Lycan Erasmus must be steaming. Why stick you with the court? It’s a thankless job vetting cases and trying officials.”
Lance’s eyes momentarily clouded, but he quickly laughed it off. “You don’t get it. For sheer presence, who better than me to keep the riffraff in line?”
He added proudly, “Judiciary’s crucial. He trusts me with this role.”
Big talk, but when he left, he was muttering laws under his breath, head down.
Just thinking about it makes me chuckle. My pen slips, ink streaks the page–another sheet ruined.
Typical. Never mix work with men.
As I sat lost in thought, Beta Valentin burst in, panting like a sprinter.
“We’ve got a visitor–your old classmate, Craig Neil,” he blurted, pupils quivering, hands scrubbing his uniform in nervous excitement.
I snapped to attention. “Really? I’ll be right there!”
Talk about perfect timing–Craig’s arrival felt like a answer to my prayers.
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I bolted out like a gust of wind, with Valentin hollering, “Take a cloak–it’s freezing out!”
Ignoring him, I rushed outside, only to have him toss me a wolfsbane–embroidered cloak.
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In the conference hall, a man in a black cloak sat calmly. Half his hair was tied with a blue ribbon, the rest cascading down. His striking face held a gentle smile, as if the journey hadn’t fazed him.
He exuded an ethereal, scholarly charm.
I whirled into the hall and cry, “Craig!”
He rose, eyes fond with amusement. “You’ve grown taller and more beautiful,” he teases .
I grasped his arm, cedar pheromones flaring.
My wolf ears trembled with excitement, pupils shimmering like diamonds in the candlelight. “Where’ve you been? Shadow Peaks? Did you come alone? What about Irene and the others ? ”
Craig’s Moon Goddess ring tapped my forehead, cold fir pheromones calming me.
“I didn’t go to Shadow Peaks. I came from Bloodscar Border. Your other classmates will arrive soon. Prunella’s homeward journey from Dragon Ash detected unusual pheromone trails. ”
“Prunella’s coming too?” My wolf pendant suddenly scorched my chest , silver light erupting from my necklace.
Beta Valentin, clutching a wolf–tooth cloak, stepped forward. His juniper pheromones were wild with agitation.
Staring at Craig’s battle–scarred pauldron, his wolf ears quiverred like autumn leaves.
I didn’t notice Valentin’s excited gaze and said excitedly, “How many people know you’re here? Let me tell
you,
the royalty in New York City, many powerful pack Alphas, and officials–all of them admire you. Even Lycan Erasmus does. If word gets out you’re in the capital, I bet lots of people will try to sneak into the Frostfang Pack.”
Craig replied, “I showed my travel papers upon arrival, so the guard’s likely don’t recognize me. For now, we’re in the clear.”
He led me to a seat and looked me over, a flicker of tenderness crossing his eyes.
“Since many admire me,” he said, “spread the word for me. If they wish to meet, let them come to Frostfang Pack. I’ve collected quite a few paintings from the Bloodscar Border–I’d be delighted to share them with everyone.”
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