Last night he was keeping watch at the entrance, yet he didn't notice someone approaching her.
It was dereliction of duty, and a disgrace.
Kaelan Hawthorne's gaze swept back and forth between Isaac Vaughn and Wyatt Yardley.
These two, one looked flustered, the other calm and submissive, clearly had something to hide.
It seemed last night wasn't peaceful.
Gideon Larkin frowned, his blue eyes filled with complex emotions.
He was not good with words, nor did he like to speculate on people's minds.
But at this moment, the unease surging through him almost suffocated him.
Isaac Vaughn stood at the edge, his violet eyes lowered, long hair covering half his face.
Wyatt Yardley was more withdrawn in the corner, hands crossed before him.
Evan Orwell exchanged a glance with Gideon Larkin, understanding without words.
Kaelan Hawthorne merely snorted lightly, gazing meaningfully at Isaac Vaughn.
No need for words; they all knew something had happened.
Something must have happened last night, probably involving Isaac Vaughn.
And Wyatt Yardley, usually obedient, dared to leave his post to help bandage someone?
That is, unless he was ordered to do so, or… was willing.
Yet they didn't immediately question him, simply standing in silence, waiting for Seraphina Caldwell to speak.
Seraphina Caldwell seemed unaware of their undercurrent, smiling, asked, "Who helped bandage me last night?"
But this casual question instantly froze the air in the cave.
The cave suddenly fell silent for a few moments.
The fire crackled, sending sparks flying, but no one added wood.
Five pairs of eyes turned to her, exchanging indescribable emotions with one another.
It turns out she had noticed something and was going to find out who was responsible.
In the past, if she got hurt, she'd either say nothing or take her anger out on everyone.
Losing her temper, throwing things, causing trouble for everyone.
Now she's got a sensitive neck injury; could she be taking it out on them?
Isaac Vaughn suddenly stepped forward.
"I did it alone."
The wind swept in through the cave entrance, lifting the hem of his clothing.
"You can punish me, but leave others out of it."
He knew what admitting this meant.
Possibly being banished, imprisoned, or even executed on the spot.
Seraphina Caldwell was taken aback: "Punish you? Why punish you?"
"You saved me; I should be thanking you instead."
She shook the bandaged finger slightly, smiling broader.
"You treated my injury; I've been wanting to find an opportunity to thank you. How about this—whoever helps bandage me, after three times, I'll offer a drop of blood as reward, okay?"
At these words, Isaac Vaughn paused, pupils slightly contracting.
She opened her mouth, but couldn't immediately speak.
The others all widened their eyes.
She wasn't talking about the neck, but rather the bandaging of the finger?
Seraphina Caldwell saw the beast husband's look of astonishment and unconsciously furrowed her brow.
She looked down at her tightly wrapped finger, then lifted her head surveying the group.
Clearly it was nothing unusual as a form of repayment, but why did they react as if they'd heard a shocking secret?
What was wrong?
Was her reward not enticing enough?
Her blood wasn't ordinary human blood.
Even a drop could nurture meridians, speed up cultivation, potentially cause a transformation in physique.
With such conditions, someone should've been eager to agree.
She turned to Isaac Vaughn.
"You... don't want this reward?"
With these words, everyone seemed to suddenly come to their senses.
The air seemed to stagnate for a moment.
Seraphina Caldwell had no idea there was a mark on her neck, nor remembered Isaac Vaughn had aggressively grabbed her neck.
In her current memory, only the finger injury and someone bandaging it existed.
She knew nothing of anything else.
Since she hadn't noticed, who would foolishly bring it up?
If it reminded her, reigniting old grievances, it would only invite trouble.
Isaac Vaughn exhaled quietly.
He secretly glanced at Wyatt Yardley, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.
Then he spoke slowly.
"I didn't bandage."
Wyatt Yardley stepped forward half a step, voice low.
"I did the bandaging."
Seraphina Caldwell grew more confused, frowning deeper, turning to stare at Isaac Vaughn.
"Then why did you admit to it earlier? Do you have something you're hiding from me?"
Isaac Vaughn said nothing, only lowering his eyes, his long violet lashes concealing his gaze.
He couldn't possibly tell the truth, could he?
He thought she wanted to settle accounts, feared she'd anger at others, hence admitted first.
But now it seemed she truly remembered none of it.
"No matter who did it, good work deserves reward."
Seraphina Caldwell quickly set aside her doubts, her gaze returning to Wyatt Yardley's bandaging technique.
"You bandaged well, skilled in technique, used herbs appropriately. The wound edges are already scabbing, healing smoothly. We'll count this as an accomplished task, record this once. Two more of such performances, and I'll give you a drop of blood."
Wyatt Yardley softly responded with a "Hmm."
Kaelan Hawthorne's face immediately changed at those words.
He straightened suddenly, frowning fiercely, and shouted loudly: "Why is that? I worked hard to cook five meals to get once? What kind of logic is this? It's too biased!"
He knew once said, in the past with Seraphina Caldwell, would surely instantly ignite her wrath.
Previously, her whip would have already been whistling towards his face.
While he spoke half in discontent, the other half was testing intentionally.
Yesterday, Seraphina Caldwell made him feel something was amiss.
Perhaps… she really changed?
Thus he clung to a bit of wishful thinking, betting she wouldn't rage like before.
Seraphina Caldwell listened without immediately acting furious.
She pondered for a moment, calmly explained: "Bandaging requires herbs, you know? Herbs aren't just any leaves picked randomly. The hemostatic herbs Wyatt used yesterday, growing in damp rock crevices, are 'Blood Coagulation Vine,' exceedingly rare, they're far harder to find than roast meat, and collecting them is dangerous, a slight mistake means poison."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the three, adding.
"If you also want to quickly dissolve the Spiritual Contract, you can actively help me bandage. Whoever completes it three times, I'll give a drop of blood. The opportunity is fair."
Kaelan Hawthorne's heart suddenly trembled.
He widened his eyes, quickly lowered his head, hiding his shock.
She... surprisingly didn't get mad?
Is she still that cold-blooded, ruthless Seraphina Caldwell, one for severe punishment anytime?
He hurriedly suppressed the shock surging in his heart.
"Alright, alright, you have a point. Since the standard changed, I've no more to say. I'll prepare food now, roast today's meat. Don't forget, yesterday's counted as the first time, today the second, almost there."
"No need."
Seraphina Caldwell gently waved her hand.
She raised her hand to stroke her neck, a sudden dry itch swelling in her throat.
"My throat isn't feeling well, I can't stomach greasy food these days. Those wild fruits in the cave corner, just grab some, don't bother roasting meat."
Standing nearby, Isaac Vaughn instinctively tightened his fingers at these words.
She mentioned her throat discomfort, indicating her body indeed had issues.
Yet they're trapped in this barren mountain, with no elixir, no Spirit Doctor, not even clean water to be found.
If her condition worsens... the consequences are unimaginable.