"We can’t let it rise again." Lucas’s voice was cold, his eyes like steel. Stone nodded solemnly and turned to Sloane. "The Valley Master said that before she arrives, you must be extremely cautious. This cult uses nothing but twisted and dangerous arts." Her master feared that in trying to help Beth and Tony, Sloane might end up entangled with the Soul Guild herself—and possibly become one of their targets. That was why Stone had come personally, to make sure she understood exactly how dangerous this was. "Don’t worry, I’ll be careful," Sloane said firmly. She understood her master’s concern and knew full well how serious the situation had become. When it came to Beth, she couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. But she would also make sure to protect herself. After Lucas saw Stone off, he returned to find Sloane standing by the window, lost in thought. He walked up behind her, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders. His voice was soft. "Whatever you decide to do, I’ll be with you."Sloane looked up into Lucas’s deep, steady eyes, warmth spreading through her chest. The thunder outside rumbled endlessly, but it couldn’t drown out the pounding of her heart. She rose on tiptoe, looped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. Lucas froze for a heartbeat. Her lips were soft and cool, carrying a faint herbal scent that made his breath hitch. He cupped the back of her head and took control of the kiss, deepening it. Outside, the storm raged. Rain hammered against the windows, drowning out all sound except their mingled breathing. Sloane’s back pressed against the cold wall, the hospital bed behind her, and Lucas’s warmth in front. His hand slid along her waist—restrained, careful, as if he were fighting to hold something back. "Lucas…" she whispered, breathless, her fingers threading through his hair. His lips trailed from her mouth to her ear, his voice rough and low. "I’m here." Her heart raced wildly, her ears burning. She had never seen him like this before—eyes dark and intense, as if he might devour her whole. Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside the door. They broke apart instantly. Sloane fumbled to fix her disheveled collar while Lucas moved in front of her, shielding her from view, his gaze sharp as a blade. A nurse appeared in the doorway, pushing a small cart. When she met Lucas’s icy stare, she froze on the spot. "R-room check…" she stammered, the bottles on the cart clinking softly. Sloane steadied her breath and forced herself to sound calm. "Come in." The nurse kept her head down as she hurried inside, too scared to look at Lucas again. Sloane tugged gently at his sleeve. Lucas turned back to her, his tone immediately softening, warm and tender. "What is it?" "I’d like some water," Sloane said casually. He brushed his thumb across her cheek, his voice a gentle murmur. "Alright." When Lucas stepped out, the nurse finally felt the air loosen around her. She exhaled hard, relief washing over her. Sloane couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the sight. The next day, Sloane went to the Oliver family estate to see Beth. Beth was in the study, sorting through a stack of documents. On the desk lay a divorce agreement. "Don’t sign it yet," Sloane said, picking up the papers. Beth looked up, her eyes slightly red. "He doesn’t love me anymore. There’s no point in dragging this out." "I don’t think it’s that simple," Sloane said gently, trying to persuade her. "Give it a little more time."