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Chapter 1281 Ian's Favorite Friend
Chapter 1281 Ian's Favorite Friend
Crystal's POV:
Rufus and I didn't return until nightfall, just after the sun had dipped below the horizon. Ian was bouncing up and down with wild abandon, enjoying himself with Rin and his brothers.
As the night crept in, I asked Rufus to help me take lan home.
Rin accompanied us to the edge of the forest, though she appeared hesitant to part ways, digging the balls of her feet into the thick mud.
With a heavy heart, I crouched and embraced her. "I live in the imperial palace now. If you ever wish to see me, seek me there."
Rin whimpered, a mournful cry escaping her mouth. She relayed her understanding with a gentle swipe of her claw.
"Let's go," I declared. Rufus clasped my hand firmly and bid farewell to Rin, a warm smile on his face.
Beryl and Arron had now taken up residence in Laura's palace, while Rufus escorted me back to his own palace, adamant that I should not return to my own dwelling. He made it clear that from now on, I was to stay solely within his domain.
Resistance was futile; I knew I couldn't win the argument. I chose to compromise. Besides, Rufus would remain a constant presence in my life no matter where I lived.
A small, secret smile played at the corners of my lips.
Yana sensed my thoughts and snorted in my mind, the sound pulling me out of my muddle. "You're
really in love," she said. "Gee, why do I have goosebumps?"
I chuckled, retorting, "Oh, stop it. You are just like me."
Yana clicked her tongue in defeat, aware that she could not win this argument. She chose to remain silent, pressing her thin lips together.
Rufus and lan had met for the first time, and Rufus' behavior surprised me. He was not known for his patience with anyone other than me, yet he took it upon himself to attend to lan's wounds and offer him a shower.
He hadn't needed my assistance throughout the entire, arduous process. I was merely a bystander, talking with lan and keeping him company.
The following morning, with lan looking revitalized and presentable, Rufus and I took him to Laura's palace.
Along the way, lan was brimming with excitement, wagging his tail and barking at every soldier and servant who crossed his path.
While I found lan's behavior endearing, to an outsider, he appeared menacing.
Thus, I did my best to prevent lan from alarming the others. "Don't frighten people, lan," I cautioned. "It's their first encounter with you, and they may not appreciate your enthusiasm."
lan cocked his head to the side, bewildered at my warning.
As I glanced at him, I knew he comprehended my message, yet he chose to feign ignorance. Frustrated, I decided to make myself clear. "If you ever frighten them again forget about our trip to see Beryl
At my warning, lan's behavior instantly transformed. He emitted a couple of gentle howls and then affectionately rubbed himselfNôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
against my trousers, exhibiting an exemplary demeanor.
Rufus let out a chuckle. "He's quite clever, isn't he?" I fondly patted lan's head and explained to Rufus, "He takes after his mother, mischievous whenever he can. But thankfully, he's obedient to Beryl. He does whatever she commands. I wonder what will happen when he sees Beryl."
What I meant was that taking lan to see Beryl was a good way to test the latter.
"Let's go." Rufus pinched the skin of my palm, jolting me out of my thoughts. He then motioned for me and lan to follow him.
As soon as we reached Laura's palace, we found Beryl and Arron engrossed in building blocks at the round table in the garden.
At the sight of lan, Arron's eyes widened and his mouth fell open in amazement. "Is that lan, Mommy?" he exclaimed. "Yes, it's lan." I confirmed his suspicion with a smile and a pat on lan's head, urging him to go play with the children. Arron rushed over to lan, throwing his arms around his neck in an exuberant embrace.
lan's tail wagged furiously, his joy at being welcomed evident.
I shifted my gaze towards Beryl, who remained rooted to the spot, as if she didn't know lan at all.
I grew cautious and played dumb. "Why don't you hug lan, Baby Beryl? Aren't you best friends?" I asked Beryl.
"Beryl, come here quickly," Arron urged, noting her cold unresponsiveness. He walked toward her and reached out to grab her hand. Suddenly, lan emitted a fierce growl and took a menacing step towards the children.
In a flash, before anyone could react, he charged towards Arron.
Taken back, I wondered what happened to lan.
"Stop, lan!"
My efforts were in vain; it was already too late. Ian pounced on Arron.
As everyone anticipated an impending attack, lan clasped Arron in his mouth and swiftly took him away from Beryl's reach.
The reverberating roar of the wolf resounded across the entire palace. Ian stood guard in front of Arron, clenching his jaw and glaring at Beryl with animosity.