Chapter 225

225
Third Person’s POV
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Adelaide froze. She knew Craig despised noise and socializing. He never sold his paintings and only gifted them to kindred spirits.
Sometimes Klein would handle his artworks, not out of financial need, as Warscar Training Camp was well–funded, but because Craig’s paintings were too numerous.
Klein never appreciated art, claiming one’s eyes were meant to witness the world’s wonders, especially the flowers of the Shadow Peaks.
Craig’s indifference to art baffled Adelaide. She couldn’t understand why Lance had chosen him as a teacher. Had she chosen Irene like her mentor, it would have made more sense.
“Why?” Adelaide asked.
“A party means you have to socialize with many people, chat with them. Most of them you can’t relate to. You’ve always hated that-”
“It’s fine. We all have to interact with various people in life. I’ve chatted with many at the Bloodscar Border. Sometimes I’d talk with hotel owners until dawn. I’m not mute. I can make polite conversation.”
Adelaide fell silent. “Craig, you’re doing this for me, aren’t you? It’s unnecessary. I can hold my own in the city. No one dares to truly offend me.”
“In New York’s aristocratic circles, violence won’t resolve issues. Don’t always resort to force. Remember what Irene taught you about fighting?”
“Of course, to become the strongest werewolf warrior, unbeatable by anyone!”
Another light knock on the forehead. “It was to protect yourself from bullying.”
He smiled helplessly. “The day after tomorrow it is. The Frostfang Pack will host a party then.”
Valentin, eavesdropping at the door, couldn’t help but interject. “Oh? That’s the same day Priscilla is hosting her party. Quite the coincidence.”
Adelaide knew Priscilla hadn’t invited her but wasn’t sure of the exact date.
She looked at Craig. “When did you arrive in New York? This can’t be a coincidence.”
Craig smiled. “I’ve been here for a few days, exploring the city. I wanted some peace and quiet, not wanting to hear your nagging voice so soon!
“What? You arrived and didn’t come to find me immediately? That’s outrageous!”
Craig leisurely sipped his coffee. Halfway through the cup, he looked up to see Adelaide’s eyes glistening. He sighed resignedly. “You never tell us anything. I had to come see for myself. Whether you need our help or not, I at least needed to know you’re doing well.”
“Craig, I’m doing just fine, now,” Adelaide said.
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Sitting beside him, she wanted to act coquettish. Though she could still feign cheerfulness after their initial excitement, she couldn’t maintain it. “Cedric is back. I have family again. And I’m about to bond. Alpha Lance treats me well.”
“Lance wouldn’t dare treat you poorly,” Craig said naturally. “He’s Klein’s student, training at the camp for just one month a year. Klein rarely lets him out. You probably haven’t met him before.”
“I had no idea he was our schoolmate. This is such a mix–up.”
Adelaide’s eyes crinkled with a smile, her lips curving involuntarily at the mention of Lance.
“What? Planning to lord it over him as a senior? Let me tell you, Klein holds this student in high regard. Don’t bully him. Besides, the strongest fighter at the Warscar Training Camp is him, not you. You have talent but are lazy. He has both talent and diligence. Even with just one month of training a year, he surpasses you.”
Adelaide felt no disappointment, only pride. “I know he’s amazing. I’m not jealous–I’m proud of him.”
“Unchanged thick–skinned as ever.”
Craig glanced at her and turned to Valentin, who was excitedly standing at the door. “You’re the Frostfang Pack’s Beta, right? Please spread the word that I’ll be hosting a painting exhibition at the Frostfang Pack the day after tomorrow. No need for formal invitations–just let the news circulate.”
“You got it!” Valentin hurriedly agreed. “I’ll pass the message right away. Oh, should I prepare coffee and pastries?”
“No need for pastries. Just coffee,” Craig said.
“Right, with masterpieces to admire, pastries are just an afterthought,” Valentin said cheerfully as he ran off.
Word of Craig’s arrival spread among the pack members, who peeked from the doorway. Only Beata dared to come in and greet him: “Mr. Neil, hello!”
Beata wasn’t from the Warscar Training Camp but followed Adelaide’s lead in addressing him , as no one at the camp treated her as a servant.
“Beata’s grown taller and more beautiful,” Craig said, eyeing her with emotion.
It warmed his heart that she was still here, accompanying Adelaide in joining the Blackthorn Pack.
Beata blushed. “Thank you.”
Craig sipped his coffee, his gaze briefly meeting Adelaide’s, and sighed softly.
Back in the Shadow Peaks, she’d make a fuss over the smallest slight, wanting the entire camp and mountains to know.
But when faced with real hardships, she’d keep everything inside, swallowing her pain.
How could Craig not worry about her?
Everyone at the Warscar Training Camp did, yet none dared approach. She chose to endure alone, and
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11:09 Mon, 7 Jul
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who would dare intrude?