Jeniva sat propped up against the hospital bed, listening quietly as the doctor reviewed the results of her examinations. The faint smell of antiseptic lingered in the room, and the steady beeping of the monitor beside her reminded her that she was still in the hospital.

“The tests look normal,” the doctor said reassuringly as he checked the chart in his hands. “Your vital signs are stable, and there are no internal injuries.”

Jeniva nodded faintly, though the soreness in her body made every small movement noticeable.

“You only need a few days of proper rest,” the doctor continued. “The bruises will fade on their own. Once the swelling reduces, you should feel much better.”

Jeniva remained silent for a moment before asking the question that had been troubling her.

“Doctor… how’s my friend?”

“She’s asking about AJ,” Evan added from where he stood nearby.

The doctor glanced up from the chart.

“I’m afraid I can’t give you an update on him,” he replied. “He’s under the care of a different doctor.”

He closed the file gently.

“I’ll leave the two of you to talk.”

With that, the doctor stepped out of the room, the nurse following behind him. The door closed softly, leaving the room quiet again.

Evan walked closer to the bed.

“AJ was taken into surgery,” he explained. “But the operation was successful.”

Jeniva looked relieved, though concern still lingered in her eyes.

“He’s still unconscious right now,” Evan added. “The anesthesia hasn’t worn off yet.”

He picked up a glass from the nearby table, filled it with water, and handed it to her.

“Here. Drink this.”

Jeniva took the glass from Evan and brought it to her lips.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

As she drank, her thoughts drifted for a moment. She had expected Dominick to appear the moment she regained consciousness. Yet he hadn’t come.

But just then, a familiar scent reached her senses. It was of Dominick’s pheromones.

The moment it touched her senses, a strange warmth spread through her chest. The lingering weakness she had been feeling seemed to fade slightly, replaced by an odd sense of comfort she couldn’t quite explain.

Then his voice broke through the silence.

“Jeniva!”

Dominick stood at the doorway, his expression tense with worry. But the moment he saw her awake and sitting up, the anxiety on his face melted into visible relief.

Evan noticed the moment as well.

“I’ll go check on AJ,” he said quickly, already stepping toward the door.

Within seconds he slipped out of the room, leaving them alone.

As the door closed behind him, Dominick walked toward the bed.

He stopped beside her, studying her face carefully. “You did well,” he said finally.

But his tone shifted slightly. “Still… you should have listened to me.”

Jeniva tilted her head at him.

“Your Highness,” she said, raising an eyebrow faintly, “are you planning to scold me while I’m lying in a hospital bed? Shouldn’t you be patting my back with pride instead? The mission was successful. Even though AJ was injured… he’ll recover.”

“Worry about yourself,” Dominick said. “AJ is a beta. His body will recover in two or three days.”

His gaze lingered on the bruises along her cheek and neck. “But you… Your body will take longer to heal.”

Jeniva didn’t reply immediately. She simply sipped the water slowly, letting the it soothe her dry throat. For a few seconds, the room remained silent.

When she finished, Dominick gently took the glass from her hands and placed it on the bedside table.

“Aren’t you proud of me?” Jeniva asked softly, lifting her head to look at him.

Dominick met her gaze. “I am,” he replied without hesitation.

His hand moved almost instinctively, resting lightly on her head. He brushed his fingers through her hair in a small, comforting gesture before letting his hand slide down to her cheek.

“Sorry,” he murmured.

His thumb hovered near the bruise, careful not to press too hard. “I couldn’t stop him from slapping you.”

His voice hardened slightly as he continued. “But I’ve punished him for hurting you… and AJ. His hand will be cut off,” Dominick said. “And his wolf will be taken from him as well.”

As his thumb gently traced the side of her cheek, Jeniva smiled faintly.

“That was a fitting punishment,” Jeniva said quietly. “He deserved it.” She hesitated for a moment before adding something else.

“Your pheromones… they’re soothing. They make me feel better.”

The moment the words left her mouth, she seemed to realize what she had just said. Her eyes widened slightly, and she instinctively lifted her hand to cover her mouth.

Dominick, however, had already heard it. Without another word, he lowered himself onto the edge of the hospital bed and gently pulled her into his arms. The sudden embrace caught her completely off guard.

“Your Highness!” Jeniva whispered, her face flushing as she glanced toward the door. “We’re in a hospital.”

“So?” Dominick replied softly.

One of his hands rested behind her head, his fingers slowly moving through her hair in a calming gesture.

“You’re an impressive omega,” he continued. His voice carried admiration. “You’re a role model for many others. Despite being born as an omega, you never allowed the lower rank of a werewolf to define you. I’m proud of you, Jeniva. I’m happy that you used your abilities in such a good way to help this country.”

As Dominick slowly pulled away from the embrace, Jeniva looked up at him with a bright smile. The earlier exhaustion on her face seemed lighter now, and her white teeth showed as the smile widened naturally.

“Thank you for saying such kind things,” Jeniva said sincerely. The appreciation in her voice was clear. Compliments were not something she often received, especially ones that acknowledged her strength rather than her rank.

Dominick watched her quietly for a moment, as if making sure she truly felt better.

“Is there anything else you want?” he asked after a brief pause, his eyes searching her face carefully.

Jeniva blinked at the question, slightly surprised by it.

She slowly shook her head.

“What could I possibly ask from you, Your Highness?” she replied with a soft chuckle.

Dominick didn’t look convinced.

“Anything,” he said firmly. “Something you’ve always wanted but never had the chance to get.”

Jeniva leaned back slightly against the pillows, thinking about his words. For a moment, her gaze drifted toward the window beside the bed as if she were searching through old memories.

After a few seconds, she looked back at him.

“Honestly… I think I already have everything I need,” she replied calmly.

“If anyone else were in your place, they would have already asked for something,” Dominick said, studying her expression with curiosity.

Jeniva let out a small, thoughtful breath before replying.

“What could I even ask you for?” she murmured. “Most of the things I want in life… I want to earn them myself. That’s the only way I’ll truly feel satisfied,” she continued. “If I achieve something with my own effort, it means more to me than if it’s simply given.”

~~~~

Thank you for so many GTs and power stones so far.