Chapter 7: The Mystical Gift

Dr. Alyssa Cole’s icy expression softened slightly, though a trace of calculated hesitation remained in her eyes.

"Are you entirely certain? My standard consultation fee is already quite substantial. Adding a fifty percent premium might prove far too exorbitant for a single mother to sustain."

"It is no trouble at all, Dr. Cole. Simply name your price."

When Clara first escaped across the border, she had been barred from official pack employment. Her material resources had been incredibly tight, and she had relied entirely on Hazel’s secret provisions to survive until Leo was born.

However, the exact hour her pup was brought into the world, Clara unexpectedly awakened a mystical gift.

Relying on this rare ability to sense ancient magic, she had secured a private sanctuary in a distant human town, obtained a permanent residency permit, and even amassed a significant fortune over the last few cycles.

"Three hundred thousand gold coins. Can your accounts support that?"

Clara gave a calm nod. The liquidity in her vault was just enough to settle the transaction.

"Then I shall rely on your expertise going forward."

Clara rose to her feet, extending her hand to finalize the agreement with Alyssa, when a blinding flash of white light suddenly exploded behind her eyes.

It felt as though a crushing blow had struck her consciousness.

Her knees turned to water, and she nearly collapsed onto the sterile floor.

"Forgive me... I must excuse myself to the restroom."

Damn it, that familiar, agonizing toll was claiming its price again.

Clara prayed desperately in her mind, begging her body not to fail her at this exact hour.

She had not even finalized Leo’s mind-healing protocol yet!

Three seasons ago, when her mystical gift reached its full awakening, it came with a violent catch. Every time she channeled her power to read ancient relics, a sudden, blinding migraine would strike without warning.

During the most severe episodes, she would black out instantly, left completely paralyzed and bound to her bed for days.

"Are you unwell?" Alyssa reacted with impressive speed, catching Clara’s arm to stabilize her while pulling a small wrapped honey candy from her elegant coat. "Have you neglected your nutrition?"

"Thank you. I am merely experiencing a passing discomfort. Please grant me a moment." Seeing that the doctor carried sweets on her person, Clara assumed they were meant to soothe young pups during treatment, and her respect for the woman deepened slightly.

As Clara’s retreating silhouette disappeared down the corridor, a strange, calculating gleam flickered deep within Alyssa’s eyes. She bent down, retrieving an intricate bracelet that had slipped from Clara’s wrist onto the floor.

The artifact carried an ancient, primitive design, its center embedded with a flawless, intricately cut lapis lazuli stone.

The texture was impossibly smooth to the touch, forged from a rare, sacred material that Alyssa could not even identify.

Arthur had mentioned during their journey that Clara operated as an elite relic hunter in the outer realms.

This artifact was undoubtedly an priceless treasure.

More than that, the shimmering blue stone matched the exclusive gala gown Alyssa had recently acquired perfectly.

In three days, she was scheduled to attend a supreme royal banquet held at the heart of the territory.

The event would gather every high-ranking alpha and noble elder, yet she still lacked a single piece of high-tier jewelry to complement her standing.

Driven by a sudden, wicked impulse, Alyssa slid the ancient bracelet deep into her coat pocket.

She would merely borrow it. The exact hour the grand gala concluded, she would return the artifact to Clara.

As the thoughts settled, a wave of profound, suppressed jealousy flashed across Alyssa’s features.

She had intentionally inflated her fee to an astronomical three hundred thousand coins, yet Clara hadn't even blinked before agreeing.

How could a rogue single mother possess such vast wealth?

Ha. She must have bartered her flesh and scent to wealthy old human lords to secure those funds.

Alyssa brushed her fingers against the hidden bracelet, her mind filling with absolute disdain for Clara.

It was Clara's supreme fortune that her cheap trinket was deemed worthy enough to grace an elite doctor's wrist for a night!

The following day, Hazel had a critical trial to argue before the pack elders and could not remain at the medical facility past the late hours.

Arthur immediately stepped forward, offering his escort. "Allow us to accompany you. We are preparing to depart the facility lines as well."

Standing beside him, Alyssa offered a sweet, practiced smile. "Indeed, Hazel. Even if your residential sector is out of our way, our driver can easily redirect. It is no trouble at all."

Hazel’s expression grew even colder. She slung her leather bag over her shoulder and walked straight toward the exit.

"There is no need. My transport is already waiting at the perimeter gates."

No matter how guarded Clara usually kept her senses, she could clearly detect the toxic current flowing between Hazel and Alyssa at this point.

"What is the hidden tea here?"

Clara covertly retrieved her communication device, firing a rapid telepathic message straight to Hazel.