Chapter 233 Astra Can Speak Again
Cindy’s POV:
I was a bit surprised.
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In the chaotic mess of the Duskfang Pack, Jessie was the only elder who ever showed a shred of kindness.
I quickly welcomed her in.
Jessie wore a faded cotton coat and carried a huge bundle in her hands.
As soon as she saw me, she fidgeted and rubbed her hands together. “Cindy … oh, I mean, Duchess Spencer! I hope I’m not intruding by dropping by unannounced?”
“Of course not, Elder Garcia.” I helped her to a seat myself. “Please, just call me Cindy.”
Jessie’s eyes reddened as she opened the big bundle.
Inside was a full set of clothes, all stitched from the finest bear pelts-heavy bedding, a windproof coat, underwear, and even two pairs of fur-lined boots.
The stitching was tight and even, the fur soft, clearly all sewn by hand with painstaking care.
“These are for Astra.”
Jessie pulled a cloth pouch from her pocket, unwrapping it layer by layer to reveal two heavy bracelets made of solid gold.
The workmanship was rough, even a little old-fashioned, but I knew this was likely her life’s savings.
“I heard the boy is back, and that he’s suffered. I can’t do much, but this bear skin was left behind by my late husband, so I sewed a robe. These bracelets … are a gift for him.”
“This is too much!” I quickly tried to refuse. “Elder Cohen, I’ll keep the clothes, but you have to take the gold back!”
“Take it!”
Jessie’s face hardened, and she shoved the bracelets into my hand. “What, you think my gifts are beneath you? I might be from Duskfang Pack, but I’m also a grandmother. I can’t speak for the others, but this is my gift for Astra. If you don’t take it, you’re looking down on me!”
With things said to that extent, I could only accept, holding back tears.
After taking a couple sips of hot tea, Jessie let out a sigh and began to talk.
“Cindy, I hope you won’t mind me speaking out of turn. There’s something you should know.”
She lowered her voice. “Do you know when James’s wedding is set for?”
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Chapter 233 Astra Can Speak Again
I shook my head.
“It’s the same day as your bonding ceremony with Prince Adam!”
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Jessie slapped her thigh in frustration. “That senile old matriarch set it up on purpose! She wants to go toe- to-toe with you, to show the whole Royal Court that Duskfang Pack can marry a noble Luna without you. She’s competitive to the point of absurdity!”
I was stunned.
The same day? That was simply asking to be humiliated.
B
Who would skip the bonding ceremony of a duchess and Prince Adam to attend a banquet for a declining pack?
“And that Evelyn…
Jessie’s face turned fearful. “She’s lost her mind. Ever since she was demoted to Breeder and forced to move to the side wing, she’s been breaking things and cursing every day. She even went at James with a knife two days ago, nearly stabbing him! And that coward just lets her do whatever she wants, saying he owes her.
“Cindy, you have to be careful.”
Jessie grabbed my hand tightly. “Evelyn hates you. She blames you for ruining her life. She’s hard to keep an eye on at home. If she ever escapes and comes looking for you… just don’t see her! She’s crazy!” anjeye
After seeing Jessie out, I was left unsettled for a long time.
Evelyn-who once shone so brightly and saved James on the battlefield-was now reduced to being called
a mad woman.
It was both pitiful and tragic.
“Ms. Spencer, stop thinking about all that mess.”
Jewel came over, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Let’s look at the clothes Elder Cohen made. This is really good craftsmanship. Perfect for Astra.”
I composed myself, and together Jewel and I carried the pile of clothes to Astra’s room.
Astra was sitting in front of the mirror, lost in thought, holding that battered old text book he’d flipped through a thousand times.
“Astra, look at this!”
I shook out a green, fitted robe with a smile. “Elder Cohen made this just for you. Try it on!”
Astra stood up obediently, letting us dress him.
The robe fit perfectly, and the green made his pale face look a little healthier.
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Chapter 233 Astra Can Speak Again
A matching belt hugged his waist, making him look sharp.
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“You look great!” Jewel clapped her hands. “Our Astra is like a little sapling. You’ll grow into a mighty tree someday!”
Astra stared at himself in the mirror, his eyes bright and shining.
He tried to turn around, still unsteady on his feet, but he couldn’t hide his genuine joy.
He nodded at his reflection, clearly pleased.
Then, something miraculous happened.
Astra looked at himself in the mirror. His lips trembled violently, his throat bobbing, as if he was gathering every ounce of strength.
Suddenly, a hoarse, rough syllable burst from his mouth, sounding like sandpaper scraping wood, but it was unmistakably clear.
“Li…ke.”
The air went still.
Jewel’s comb fell to the floor with a clatter.
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