Trapped in Beast World: My Husbands Are All Animals! Novel

Chapter 25 Apology 73 +20 Free Coins The original Ardenia might not have spiked the others , but she sure as hell had done it to Calder . Her head pounded like it was splitting open . It was the Moon Tide Festival . She figured maybe this was the right time to let Calder go . He was meant for the ocean's endless blue , not stuck in some small coastal tribe . When she thought of him , she remembered the day she first showed up . His tail had gotten caught under her foot , and after that , he'd kept his distance . She hadn't seen him in days .

She didn't even know if he was okay , so she packed a box of food she had cooked herself and followed her memory to where he lived . Vines dragged across the ground . Wild grass covered everything . A cave sat ahead , and in front of it was a small pool . It wasn't big , but the water kept flowing . When she touched it , it was warm . A hot spring , right here . How unreal . Calder actually had a hot spring all to himself . She placed the food box down . Just as she hesitated about going in , Calder showed up from a hunt .

The second he saw her standing there , his expression hardened like stone . He thought she was up to no good again . " What the hell are you doing here ? Get off my property . Now . " His gills flared as his anger burned . He wanted to chase her away . The others might've forgiven her , but not him . That ogre had bought him like some exotic pet . She'd treated him like he didn't matter , hurt him , and even drugged him , freezing his progress . The fact that his level was still stuck because of her made his chest twist with fury and shame .

Those of his status should not only be at this level . " I came to apologize , " she said . " Apologize ? " Calder's voice cracked in disbelief before turning cold . " Save it . Tonight , during the Moon Tide Festival , we'll dissolve the bond . After that , you live your life , and I'll live mine . Whatever happened before doesn't matter anymore . Stay out of my way . " 1/4 14:34 Tue , Dec 30 Chapter 25 Apology " Fine . It was my fault anyway . This is food I made for you . Don't worry . It's clean ." Ardenia spoke quietly , then turned to leave .

$ 20 Free Coins Calder wanted to shout that he didn't need her pity or her food . Yet , his eyes fell on the polished box , and the words wouldn't come out . Vesper had said Ardenia's cooking was divine . Everyone else had tried it . That was everyone but him . He told himself he wasn't the petty kind . If she had just said a few kind words , maybe , just maybe , he would've softened . But she never did . Every time she cooked , she ignored him completely . He was the one she had hurt the most , yet she acted like he was invisible . His anger built up until it burned in his chest .

He walked over to the spring and opened the box layer by layer . The smell hit him first - meat with sauce , rich and heavy , like something out of a dream . He picked up a piece and bit into it . The flavor burst across his tongue . It was unreal . It was better than anything he'd ever had . The next layer was mushrooms . They were still steaming , golden from the oil , their broth trapped inside . Calder picked one up and took a small sip . The heat stung his tongue , but the taste was deep and smooth , almost intoxicating . He finished the broth , then ate the whole mushroom .

It melted in his mouth . The last one was fish . Spicy dish , too . It tingled against his lips , sharp and spicy , but strangely addictive . He kept eating , even as his thoughts tangled . He told himself he wouldn't forgive that cruel woman . Not for all the pain she caused . Not for one good meal . The spice hit like fire . Calder's throat burned , and his lips went numb . Ardenia couldn't have slipped something into it again . His tongue tingled , and drool slid from the corner of his mouth as if the heat had stolen every 2/4 14:34 Tue , Dec 30 Chapter 25 Apology ounce of his dignity .

" Here , drink this ! " He froze mid - breath . She was still here ? : His face turned scarlet . She must've seen him eating like an uncivilized idiot . The thought made him want to sink into the ground . 473 73 +20 Free Coins Ardenia handed him a crystal glass of chilled mulberry juice . The frost on the surface brushed against his palm , and his eyes flickered in surprise . It was the same one the others had gotten earlier . Now he had one too . He took a gulp . The tangy sweetness spread across his tongue like a cool breeze . It was perfect . Ardenia's voice softened . " Take your time .

I'll head back ." Calder sat rigid on a rock , his back straight as steel . He watched her walk away , his mouth opening a few times but pride choking every word . He couldn't stop her . But tonight was the Moon Tide Festival . If he didn't speak now , he'd never get the chance again . " Ardenia ! " She turned slightly . " What is it ? " Her tone wasn't sharp anymore . It sounded calm , almost gentle . That alone loosened the tension in his chest . Ardenia's apology was the thing he needed to de - escalate the situation .

He set the glass aside and jogged toward her , grabbing her hand before he could change his mind . His eyes flicked away . His voice wavered like a kid's . " Why'd you wait until now to show up ? " " I thought you didn't want to see me , " she said quietly . Her words carried no edge , only honesty . " I never said that , " Calder shot back . " You called Tobias for dinner . You called Halden . You even hugged Niall . You called Vesper , too . But you didn't call me . You hurt me the most , yet you couldn't even look at me . Even if I was bought , I'm still your mate .

" 3/4 14:34 Tue , Dec 30 Chapter 25 Apology 73 +20 Free Coins He tightened his grip , his eyes dark with hurt . " And this is what I get ? You leave me here , let me think the worst , then get mad when I act cold to you ? " Austen