The training grounds behind the mansion were quiet.
Nick and Annabelle had excused themselves earlier, leaving Hazel alone with Klara.
The wind moved gently across the modern pack territory.
Hazel sat on the stone bench near the fountain.
Klara stood beside her.
Neither spoke immediately.
Then Klara said quietly:
"I am sorry."
Hazel did not answer immediately.
She looked at the water flowing slowly.
Then she said softly:
"I was angry."
"I know."
Silence.
Hazel continued.
"You hurt me."
Klara nodded.
"I deserve that."
Pause.
Then Hazel said quietly:
"I don't hate you."
Klara's eyes softened.
"But I don't trust easily anymore."
Klara nodded again.
"I understand."
Long silence followed.
Then suddenly Hazel smiled slightly.
Small.
Real.
"I missed you."
Klara's breath released slowly.
"I missed you too."
The two girls sat quietly beside the fountain for a while.
Nick and Annabelle had gone to give them space.
After some time, Klara stood up.
"Go meet him," Klara said softly.
Hazel blinked.
"Who?"
"You know who."
Hazel did not deny it.
She walked back inside the mansion.
Ryan had returned to his private room.
Several documents were placed neatly on the bed.
Corporate reports.
Smith Company financial structure.
Malone Company medical assistance proposal.
Ryan was preparing assistance strategy.
Then he removed his jacket.
Walked toward the bathroom.
Took a bath.
Five minutes later—
Hazel entered the room with a small smile.
Because she had reconciled with Klara.
The door closed softly behind her.
Then she froze.
Because Ryan was coming out of the bathroom.
Only a white towel was tied around his waist.
His raven black hair was wet.
Water drops were slowly moving down his chest.
His skin was still slightly warm from the bath.
Hazel's heart skipped slightly.
Not fear.
Not shock.
Awareness.
Ryan saw her immediately.
Did not react dramatically.
Just paused.
"Hazel."
She blinked.
"I— I came to talk."
Ryan nodded.
"Yes."
Hazel noticed the documents on the bed.
She walked closer slowly.
"What are these?"
Ryan answered calmly.
"Smith company restructuring."
"And Kyle's company?"
"Collapsing."
Hazel's chest tightened slightly.
Then she saw another document.
Boyd Malone medical report.
His father's stroke condition.
Hazel's voice lowered.
"Ryan…"
"Yes?"
"Please take me to the hospital."
Silence.
Hazel continued quietly.
"I want to see Boyd."
Pause.
Then she added softly:
"Kyle is bad, but Boyd is not."
Ryan watched her silently for a long moment.
Then nodded once.
"Change clothes."
"I will take you."
Hazel exhaled slowly.
"Thank you."
She smiled slightly.
Ryan watched her leave the room.
Venom stirred quietly.
Blade observed.
Ralph guarded.
Because Hazel's heart was soft.
And that was both beautiful…
And dangerous.