I knew very well that any place related to a lab had to be handled with utmost care. Even cleaning couldn’t afford the slightest mistake-every detail mattered.
“Of course, Seraphina. You’ve always been so meticulous in your work. I trust you,” Magnus said, his smile warm and reassuring.
But could I really do it?
As I ate, I sank into a deep thought. The responsibility felt heavy, overwhelmingly so even. Still, I couldn’t let the opportunity slip.
“I’ll give it a shot,” I said finally. “You’ll be there to teach me stuff when I need your help, right?”
“Absolutely. If you’re free tomorrow, come with me to the lab.”
I nodded, grateful for the opportunity Magnus had given me.
After finishing our meal, we shared some dessert. Magnus took a bite of a pink macaron, his expression brightening. “Delicious. Thank you, Seraphina. Sweets like this really lift my mood.”
“I know, right?” I laughed. “Studies show sugar activates your taste buds, triggers the brain’s reward system-instant dopamine rush.”
“That’s true,” Magnus said with a playful wink, “but too much sugar can be a burden on your body.”
“Oh, come on,” I groaned. “Don’t make me feel guilty for enjoying one little dessert. Just eat it, OK?”
Magnus’s laugh filled the room, deep and genuine.
The atmosphere was light and pleasant as we cleared the table together. I took charge of washing while Magnus positioned himself beside me.
“I’ll rinse them clean after you wash them,” he offered.
“Deal.”
He stood close to me as I washed the dishes, and he quickly took over to rinse them. In the cramped kitchen, Magnus’s tall frame meant we stood practically shoulder to shoulder. Our arms brushed occasionally as we worked, and the clinking of dishes and the sound of running water filled the tiny space.
“I should really get a dishwasher next time,” Magnus mused.
“Great idea! Save those hands of yours.”
Though privately I wondered why he’d need one living alone, and apparently, he rarely cooked on weekdays.
“Well,” he said, eyes twinkling, “if you ever miss my cooking, drop by anytime. No need to wash dishes.”
“Careful what you offer,” I teased. “I might show up for dinner every night.”
Standing there, working in comfortable rhythm, I couldn’t help feeling like we were already a couple. Sharing meals, washing dishes together-this easy domesticity was everything I’d dreamed of.
It reminded me of our day studying at the library, sharing food, running through the rain. Apart from those horrible secret photos, the memory still felt precious.
Could Magnus and I always be like this? I would certainly hope so.
Away from all the strangeness-werewolves, monsters-I was just an ordinary woman. I wanted Kael nowhere near me.
My body had already begun changing in ways I couldn’t understand because of him. Nothing had ever frightened me like this before.
After cleaning up, Magnus suggested, “Let’s go for a walk, Seraphina.”
I nodded, though anxiety still gnawed at me. These changes in my body-would I eventually become a werewolf myself? I was worried.
We went downstairs and got into Magnus’s car. I didn’t know where he was taking me, but he was clearly heading toward the outskirts. I didn’t mind leaving the crowded city. I wasn’t sure if Vivienne would send someone else to spy on us again, so walking in a quiet place seemed like a good idea.
I watched the passing scenery, lost in thought as buildings gave way to trees.
The route became increasingly remote, and we eventually stopped at a forest. As soon as we parked, Magnus unbuckled his seatbelt, and I did the same.
A forest walk sounded peaceful enough.
But Magnus turned to me suddenly, concern in his eyes. “Seraphina, something’s bothering you.”
“Is it that obvious?” I asked, surprised at how easily he’d read me.
He nodded. “You’ve been quiet the whole ride. Your face shows it-you’re troubled. It seems like you’re worried about something.”
His observation made my heart race. He’d seen through me completely.
Meeting his blue eyes, I managed a weak smile. “Yes, I’m worried about something.”
“Talk to me, Seraphina. What is it?”
Magnus stepped out of the car, circled to my side, and opened my door with an old-fashioned courtesy that felt strangely comforting.
We wandered through what seemed to be an abandoned park. Though neglected, traces of human design remained-paved paths winding between trees, and crumbling walls marking boundaries.
We strolled along the path, and after a moment’s hesitation, I asked, “Do you think werewolves can turn humans into their kind?”
Since Magnus had researched werewolves, he might know something helpful.
“Of course,” he replied without hesitation. “Why do you ask?”
“I… I was… Just curiosity,” I lied. “How would they do it then? Turning a human into a werewolf?”
“It’s not simple. According to my research, they can bite humans and transmit the werewolf virus through saliva. But it’s unstable-most humans can’t survive the brutality of the bite and the trauma. They die in agony. Only a small percentage actually transform.”
My mind raced. Kael hadn’t bitten me. If he had, surely I’d have noticed.
“Are there other ways?” I asked cautiously.
Could it happen through mating? The changes in my body seemed connected to that, not anything else.
“Werewolf blood can do it if it’s injected into a human’s bloodstream. But that’s also risky…”
Blood? That hadn’t happened either.
“Any other possibility?”
Magnus shook his head. “Not that I know of.” He studied my face. “Why all these questions? Do you want to become a werewolf?”