Chapter 4
Inside the Silver Chalice Inn, Eleanor had already downed half a flagon of cherry cordial.
The sweet alcohol scorched her throat, but it couldn’t burn away the bitterness in her chest.
Across the table, Roland was busy picking out bones from Cecily’s fish with meticulous care, his expression reverent–like it was a sacred ritual.
He was supposed to be her guard.
And yet now, he stood by Cecily’s side, never leaving her for even a moment.
Cecily leaned in to whisper something, her lips brushing teasingly close to Roland’s ear. That man–always ice–cold and distant toward Eleanor- actually flushed at the tips of his ears.
Eleanor let out a cold laugh and turned away, only to be surrounded by a group of foppish young nobles.
“Lady Eleanor, would you honor me with a drink?”
“Come join us, we won’t bite.”
“I’ve been dying to meet you. That face… it’s even more breathtaking up close.”
Trapped in the corner, she could neither retreat nor fight her way out. The more she refused, the more emboldened they became–until one of them shamelessly slid a hand around her waist.
“Roland!” she snapped, unable to bear it any longer.
Only then did the man seem to notice her situation. His brows creased as he pushed through the crowd, his cold, commanding presence scattering the young lords like frightened dogs.
“What, are you her keeper now?” Eleanor said with a scornful smile, wiping spilled wine from her collarbone.
“My apologies,” Roland murmured, eyes downcast. “I hadn’t noticed.”
“hadn’t noticed?” She stepped closer, her breath brushing his jaw. “Or did you just not want to?”
Caught off guard by her nearness, Roland’s throat bobbed once before he stepped back. “You’ve had too much to drink, my lady.”
“Don’t worry,” Eleanor said with a brittle smile. “Once I’m married, you can follow Cecily around all you want.”
But her words were drowned out by a sudden, piercing scream.
A pair of adult wolves had just been wheeled in, snarling and pacing inside a heavy iron cage.
“Tonight’s entertainment!” the announcer shouted, excitement crackling in his voice. “Black Gale versus Red Flame–place your bets!”
Eleanor frowned.
The Silver Chalice Inn attracted all kinds–thieves, gamblers, drunks–and brawls like this weren’t unheard of. Still, she’d always hated the cruelty of it. Just as she turned to leave, a loud metallic groan tore through the room-
The cage lock had given way
Everything happened in an instant.
The larger wolf burst through the gate, lunging straight at the nearest crowd.
Screams erupted. In the chaos, Eleanor saw Roland react instantly–without hesitation, he spun around and threw himself in front of Cecily, shielding her as he pushed her toward the door.
And Eleanor-
She stood closest to the wolf.
Close enough to see the saliva clinging to its bloodstained fangs.
“Ah-!”
Agony tore through her leg before she could move.
The beast’s teeth sank deep into her calf, ripping flesh and fabric in one horrifying jerk. Blood gushed from the wound as she collapsed, helpless, onto the floor. She barely registered the wolf circling back for another attack.
Chapter 4
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Then-
Bang!
A sword pierced through the air with deafening force.
The gray wolf dropped dead at her feet.
The last thing she saw before slipping into unconsciousness was Roland–sword in hand, still guarding Cecily.
The scent of medicine was overwhelming.
Eleanor came to with a jolt of pain that shot up her leg like fire. Every breath seemed to tug at the wound.
She turned her head–slowly, painfully–and the sight that greeted her was worse than any nightmare.
Cecily was curled up in Roland’s arms, sobbing softly.
“You’re her guard, Roland… you’re supposed to protect Eleanor… It’s all my fault. I never should’ve come…” she whimpered.
Roland’s long fingers gently patted her back, his voice unrecognizably soft. “You’ve done nothing wrong, my lady.”
“If I had to choose again,” he said after a pause, brushing away the tears on her face, “I would still protect you first.”
“Why?” Cecily looked up at him, eyes shimmering with tears.
Roland met her gaze. His voice was low, eyes dark with feeling.
“Because I lo—”
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