Alright... let’s make this fun for all of us. 😌

Here’s how I’m rewarding you, my special readers, and the ink to my pen.

1. Hit a top ranking for a week straight → mass release of 3 Chapters.

2. Send a super gift → mass release of 5 Chapters.

Now for the real mischief, these are the rewards. Also, this is where the real chaos lies.

1. Top interactive reader in a week → gets a shoutout

2. One-time super gift → gets a Chapter dedicated to you.

3. Repeated super gifts → you start getting little spoilers + future hints.

4. Highest Golden Ticket sender of the month (20–30 range) → you get a permanent role in the book

Yes, an actual role. 😅🥹 Immortality secured.

Let’s build this story together 🤍

...

Aire had barely finished the private tray of breakfast Madam had brought in for her when a knock sounded on the door.

It was gentle, but firm.

She looked up from the small table beside her bed, wiping her fingers carefully with a napkin. She took a sip of water before parting her lips.

"Come in," she said softly.

The door opened a moment later.

Madam stepped inside first.

Behind her stood an elderly man Aire had never seen before. His back was slightly bent with age, but his eyes were sharp and observant. A small leather case hung from his hand.

"The doctor is here," Madam said simply.

Aire straightened slightly.

The doctor stepped forward and gave a respectful bow.

"Miss Aire," he greeted calmly.

Madam closed the door behind them and moved closer to the bed.

Her expression was tighter than usual.

"I told you earlier that Alpha Alaric ordered a doctor," she said, clearing her throat slightly. "It was... necessary."

Aire nodded faintly.

Madam’s eyes flickered briefly toward the doctor before returning to Aire.

"And... I must apologize again," she added stiffly. "For the condition of your back."

The words came out reluctantly, but there was sincerity beneath them. She regretted her actions.

Aire blinked in mild surprise.

"You’ve already apologized," she said quietly.

Madam’s mouth tightened, as if the reminder only made her more uncomfortable.

"Yes," she muttered. "But that does not undo the damage."

The doctor stepped forward then, setting his leather case down on the table.

"If you would allow me, Miss," he said gently.

Aire hesitated for only a moment before nodding.

Madam moved to the side as Aire slowly turned her back to them and carefully loosened the top of her dress.

The fabric slipped down just enough to reveal the marks.

The doctor inhaled softly.

"Hmm." He hummed thoughtfully.

His fingers hovered just above her skin without touching it at first.

"These are whip wounds," he said matter-of-factly.

Madam stiffened behind him.

The doctor leaned closer, examining the thin red lines that crisscrossed Aire’s back.

"They are recent," he continued. "But not as severe as they could have been."

Madam exhaled quietly, almost imperceptibly.

The doctor finally touched the skin lightly, testing the swelling around the wounds.

Aire flinched despite herself.

"Yes... still tender," he murmured.

He straightened and opened his leather case.

Inside were several small jars and wrapped tools.

He selected a small clay container and twisted the lid open. A faint herbal scent filled the room.

"This ointment will prevent infection," he explained. "And it will reduce scarring."

Madam stepped forward immediately.

"I will apply it."

The doctor handed her the jar.

Madam’s movements were slower than usual as she dipped two fingers into the ointment.

The cool salve touched Aire’s skin.

Aire sucked in a small breath. The ointment stung at first, then slowly soothed the burning ache.

Madam worked carefully, spreading the medicine over each mark.

Neither of them spoke.

When she finished, the doctor nodded in approval.

"Apply it twice a day," he instructed. "The wounds should close quickly if treated properly."

He closed his case again and stood.

"You will recover without issue, Miss Aire."

Aire gave a small nod.

"Thank you."

The doctor bowed once more before turning toward the door.

Madam walked him out.

Aire adjusted her dress slowly after they left.

The ointment had already begun to cool the pain on her back.

For the first time that morning, she allowed herself to breathe properly.

A moment later, footsteps returned down the hall.

Another knock sounded.

Aire frowned slightly. She wasn’t expecting anyone. "Come in."

The door opened again.

This time, Mabel stepped inside.

Her dark brown hair was neatly braided, and her expression was filled with concern.

"I saw a doctor leaving your room," she said quickly, closing the door behind her. "I wanted to make sure everything was alright."

Aire gave her a tight smile.

"I’m fine." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Mabel walked closer to the bed.

"Are you certain?" she asked gently. "You looked pale earlier this morning when I spotted you. Also yesterday."

"I said I’m fine," Aire repeated softly.

Mabel studied her for a moment before nodding.

"Well... that’s good."

Her gaze drifted briefly around the room before settling back on Aire.

"I didn’t see you at breakfast," Aire said after a moment.

Mabel smiled easily. "Oh, I had mine in the garden."

"The garden?"

"Yes," she replied lightly. "It was too crowded in the hall this morning."

Aire nodded slowly.

"I suppose it was."

Mabel leaned against the edge of the table casually.

"I heard several nobles were there today," she added. "They must have been curious about you."

Aire did not respond.

The silence lingered for a moment.

Then Mabel smiled again. "Well," she said brightly, "I’m glad you’re alright."

Aire returned the smile, though hers did not quite reach her eyes.

"Yes."

Mabel gave her a think smile. She rubbed her hands awarkwardly, and turned to the door.

"Wait." Aire murmured before she’d open the door.

Mabel turned immediately. "Yes?"

Aire swallowed, timidly. "Have you known the Alphas for so long?"

Mabel brows arched. "Actually, I have known them all my life. Except the seasons where they travelled far."

Aire’s mouth twisted. "Okay."

Mabel’s brows knit slightly. "Is there something you wanted to ask?" she said gently.

Aire opened her mouth. Then closed it again.

"No," she said quickly.

Mabel tilted her head a little, studying her.

Aire shifted where she sat on the bed, her fingers twisting lightly in the fabric of her dress.

"...Yes," she admitted after a moment.

Mabel’s lips curved faintly. "I thought so."

She stepped a little closer, waiting patiently.

Aire hesitated again before speaking.

"I’ve... never really been outside my uncle’s estate," she said quietly. "And this castle is..." She glanced briefly around the room as if the walls themselves were listening. "...large."

Mabel nodded slowly. "It is."

Aire swallowed.

"I was wondering if..." She paused, clearly unsure of herself. "If you could show me around sometime."

Mabel’s eyes flickered with interest. "A tour?"

"Yes."

Aire lowered her gaze slightly. "Only if you’re not busy." She exhaled.

Mabel watched her for a second longer.

Then she smiled warmly. "I suppose I could manage that."

Aire looked up, surprised. "Really?"

"Of course," Mabel said lightly. "You can’t stay hidden in this room forever. Besides, the castle is beautiful in the evening."

Her smile widened just a little.

"The gardens are my favorite."

Aire nodded slowly.

"Then... this evening?"

Mabel pretended to think for a moment before nodding.

"Yes. This evening should be fine."

She moved toward the door again, resting her hand on the handle.

"Rest for now," she added kindly. "You look like you need it."

Aire gave a small nod. "I probably do."

Mabel opened the door halfway, then paused.

"And Aire?"

Aire looked up.

"If anyone bothers you again... you should tell someone. Someone like me."

Her tone was soft, concerned, and convincing.

Aire gave a small smile. "I will."

Mabel held her gaze for a moment longer. Then she nodded once and stepped out into the hallway.

The door closed quietly behind her, and silence returned to the room.

Aire sat still for a moment.

Then she slowly lay back against the pillows. Her fingers brushed lightly against the blanket.

She wasn’t sure why... but something about Mabel’s kindness still made her uneasy.

And she couldn’t quite explain why.