Chapter 44 A Sudden Fever

Chapter 44 A Sudden Fever
Their conversation wasn’t over yet, in fact, the atmosphere between them was growing more relaxed, and the conversation was flowing smoothly. Neither Calix nor Ruella showed any signs of sleepiness at all.

"Are you tired? I mean, we just got here today, and we’ve been talking late into the night like this. You barely rested at all on the way home either," Ruella asked.

Calix shook his head slowly. "I’m not sleepy yet. How about you? If you wanna sleep, I'll go out now and let you sleep."

"No." Ruella responded quickly, her hand holding Calix’s to keep him from leaving. "I’m not sleepy either… If it’s okay with you, stay here a little longer."

Calix didn’t answer right away, he seemed to be weighing his options and finally nodded in agreement. "Alright, if that’s what you want."

Ruella smiled happily. "Thank you," she said.

That smile often puzzled Calix. The cheerfulness Ruella always displayed sometimes made Calix wonder what kept her so full of energy. But on other occasions, Calix would often find Ruella crying alone, like on the balcony that night and just a moment ago tonight.

Even when she was hurt, she could still laugh as if she didn’t want to worry those around her. But that was precisely what was concerning, suppressing her emotions too much would only build them up until they erupted in the worst possible way.

"Um, Cal…"

"Hm?"

Ruella looked hesitant, but she couldn’t help but ask.

"Just say it."

"A-actually, why don’t you trust the ritual that’s been passed down through generations by the werewolves, our kind? This isn’t anything new, and there have been more successful mate unions than failed ones, if that’s what you’re afraid of," Ruella asked slowly.

Calix remained silent.

Ruella grew a little tense, afraid Calix might get angry. She actually knew a little about Calix’s family, that his mother had left with another man. But she wanted to hear it directly from Calix’s perspective.

"I just want to know the reason behind your hatred for that ritual," she continued.

"You’ve probably heard whispers about it, you just want to confirm whether it’s true or just a rumor," Calix said.

"I-"

"It’s true. I hate that ritual because it was that ritual that united my mother with my father. But the proof is there, they still separated. True mates are supposed to stay together until death do them part. That means the ritual is just nonsense," Calix continued, his jaw tightening.

The atmosphere shifted instantly. The distance that had briefly vanished now returned.

"I’m sorry… I truly regret it, I shouldn’t have brought it up-"

"It’s fine," Calix cut in.

After a few seconds of silence, Calix stood up.

"I have to go, and you need to rest," he said.

Ruella nodded. "Y-yes. I’m sorry again."

Calix glanced back briefly. "I’m also sorry for what happened in the dining room."

Ruella gave a faint smile. "It’s okay."

Calix hesitated for a moment, then said, "And… don't cry again after I left the room."

Ruella froze in place. "Y-yeah?"

"Good night," said Calix, then left without waiting for a reply.

"Good night," Ruella finally replied.

Ruella remained seated for a few moments. Then she smiled. She was that happy to have spent time chatting with Calix.

"I hope our relationship gets better." She hoped as she pulled the blanket over herself and lay down slowly. She placed her hand over her chest, trying to calm her heart, which had been racing uncontrollably for the past while. "Alpha Calix’s effect is really that powerful, huh… What can I do? He’s just so handsome."

In the hallway outside, Calix could be seen walking toward his study.

"I hope she’ll be tempted to share the secret she’s clearly hiding after I shared my mother’s story like I did earlier," Calix muttered to himself.

Calix and the others were suspicious of Ruella because of the many oddities surrounding her arrival.



Calix stood up from his chair, smoothing out his sleeves with a calm motion. He had finished breakfast and was about to head out to work at the Silverpaw Pack’s government headquarters in the town square.

Rubina seemed to be ready as well. A wide smile spread across her face because the chair across from her was empty, Ruella hadn’t shown up in the dining room.

"Did Ruella not come down?" she asked casually, just making small talk since she didn’t really care. "Is she that angry that she doesn’t want to sit with us at the same table?"

"Maybe she’s still sleeping," Calix replied, since he and Ruella had been chatting almost all night, so maybe she's still sleeping.

However, one of the maids who was clearing the table answered, "Lady Ruella isn’t feeling well, Alpha. Her maid said she suddenly came down with a fever this morning."

"A fever?" Rubina repeated. "I felt like she was full of energy last night, yelling at Calix."

Calix fell silent, slightly surprised. "Since when?" he asked.

"Since dawn, sir. Claire said so while asking the chef in the kitchen to make some porridge," the waiter replied.

Calix gave a slight nod, saying nothing more.

He stepped away from the dining table, clearly intending to leave.

Rubina hurriedly stood up and followed him.

"Calix," she called out.

Calix turned his head slightly without stopping his pace.

"Where are you going?" Rubina asked. "Aren’t you supposed to go to the office today?"

Calix gave a brief nod. "Yes."

"Then?" Rubina frowned slightly.

"I need to see Ruella first," Calix replied.

Rubina fell silent for a split second. "Huh? Why?" she asked again.

Calix didn’t seem to feel the need to explain further. "She’s sick. I’ll check on her for a bit, then head out."

Rubina looked at him, trying to read something from his face, but she found nothing. His expression was as usual, flat.

"I’m going home today too," Rubina said finally, trying to keep her tone casual. "I thought we could go together."

Calix shook his head slowly. "You go ahead," he said, then paused for a moment. "Be careful on the way home."

Rubina bit the inside of her cheek, stopping near the stairs, watching Calix begin to climb the steps toward Ruella’s room.

Rubina’s hands clenched tightly at her sides.

"Ruella, again and again. I have to get rid of that scheming woman soon. And since when did Calix start caring about her? It’s so annoying. Damn it. It’s already ruining my mood first thing in the morning," Rubina snorted in frustration.