Chapter 168: Choice And Jealousy

Chapter 168: Choice and Jealousy

"Doing what?"

"Forget it." Oren turned away, then stopped and faced Lothe again. "You think just because you’re her boyfriend, you can treat everyone around her like a threat?"

Lothe’s expression grew still.

Oren continued, his voice tightening. "I’ve been helping her recover while you were unconscious. I brought her medicine and made sure she had something to eat. Then you show up and pull a spear on me."

"I didn’t ask you to do any of that."

The words came out casually. But Oren’s expression changed. For a moment, the anger in his eyes gave way to something more personal.

"Right." He nodded once. "Of course you didn’t."

Seana’s fingers tightened around the edge of the table. "Oren..."

He looked at her, and his expression softened. "I’m glad you’re recovering. That’s what matters." Then he turned back to Lothe. "But don’t mistake me helping her for being afraid of you."

Lothe said nothing.

Oren’s hands curled into fists. "I care about her too."

The garden fell silent.

Seana lowered her eyes briefly. She had known Oren had feelings for her; she wasn’t foolish enough to mistake his concern for simple camaraderie. But hearing him say it so openly, especially in front of Lothe, made the situation complicated.

Lothe’s face remained unreadable. "Do you?"

Oren met his gaze. "Yes."

"That’s unfortunate."

"Lothe!" Seana shot him a warning look.

He glanced at her. "What? I didn’t say anything wrong."

"You know exactly what you’re doing."

For once, Lothe didn’t immediately reply.

Seana pushed herself to her feet. The movement cost her more effort than she wanted anyone to notice, and her knees wavered.

Lothe moved instinctively. So did Oren. Both men stepped toward her at the same time, their shoulders colliding. They stopped and turned to look at each other.

"Enough," Seana said firmly. She steadied herself against the table before sitting down again. "Both of you, stop behaving as though I’m not sitting right here."

Neither man answered.

Seana looked at Oren first. "Thank you for taking care of me. I appreciate it."

Oren’s expression softened. "You don’t have to thank me."

"I know. I’m still thanking you."

He nodded, accepting her words, and picked up the medicine tray. "I’ll leave you to rest. Don’t try cultivating until the physician says you can."

"I won’t."

Oren gave her a doubtful look but didn’t argue. Before leaving, he glanced at Lothe. "Take care of her."

"I don’t need your reminder."

Their gazes met for a moment. Oren clearly had more to say, but he eventually turned and walked out of the garden, his footsteps fading along the stone pathway.

Only after he was gone did the tension begin to ease.

Nyren remained near the entrance, her expression composed. She had watched the entire confrontation without interfering, and now that Oren had left, she had no reason to remain.

"I should return to my duties," she said.

Lothe glanced toward her. "All right."

Nyren paused briefly. That was all he had to say. She had followed him across the sect, watched him threaten her brother, and witnessed a side of him she hadn’t expected—yet he seemed barely aware she was there.

Her gaze shifted to Seana. The other woman was watching Lothe with an expression Nyren couldn’t quite bring herself to examine for too long.

Nyren inclined her head politely. "Seana, I hope you recover soon."

"Thank you, Nyren."

Nyren offered a small nod before turning away. Her steps remained measured, her back straight. She didn’t look back; whatever disappointment she felt, she would not allow it to show. She had known from the beginning that her feelings were hers alone to bear, and she would continue bearing them in silence.

The garden grew quiet after Nyren left.

Seana turned toward Lothe. His robes concealed most of his injuries, but she could see the stiffness in his movements. He was still hurt—badly. And yet he had hurried across courtyards to find her, only to nearly start a fight with Oren.

She wasn’t sure whether to be touched or furious. Probably both.

"Lothe."

"Hm?"

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"Don’t lie."

He sighed. "My body feels like it was used to hammer nails into a mountain."

Seana’s lips twitched. "That’s more believable."

"I could describe it in greater detail. Do you want to see?"

"Bro, be serious."

"Then there’s no point."

Despite herself, Seana smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. She reached for his hand, and he let her take it.

For a while, neither spoke. Finally, she asked, "Why did you do that?"

Lothe glanced at the spot where the spear had appeared. "Do what?"

"Don’t play dumb with me."

He looked away. Seana waited.

Eventually, he muttered, "He was sitting too close."

She stared at him, then laughed.

Lothe frowned. "It’s not funny."

"You nearly impaled Oren because he was sitting beside me!"

"I didn’t impale him."

"That is not the point!"

He fell silent. Seana shook her head, still smiling. "You’re unbelievable, Little Fox."

Lothe gave her a look. "You’re enjoying this."

"A little." She squeezed his hand, then leaned closer. "You know I chose you, right?"

His expression changed slightly. "I’宁 know."

"Then trust me to make that choice."

Lothe fell silent. Seana brushed her thumb over his knuckles. "Oren was helping me. I appreciate what he did, and I care about him as a friend. But that doesn’t change how I feel about you."

He studied her face. "And if he wants more than friendship?"

"Then I’ll deal with it."

Lothe’s jaw tightened. Seana noticed. "You don’t have to solve every problem with your spear."

"Not every problem."

"Lothe."

He sighed. "...I’ll consider other options."

She shook her head, smiling, before her expression softened. "I’m not going anywhere, Little Fox."

For a moment, Lothe said nothing. He simply held her hand a little tighter. "Good," he murmured.

Seana studied him. "Good?"

He met her gaze. "I didn’t survive that ridiculous tribulation just to lose you afterward."

Her smile faded into something gentler. She remembered the lightning, the blood, and the way he had stood beside her even when his body was falling apart. Then she leaned forward and rested her forehead against his.

"You’re an idiot," Seana let out a quiet laugh.

"Unfortunately."

He opened one eye. "Unfortunately?"

"Very unfortunately."

"That’s cruel."

"You threatened my friend with a spear."

"He was in the way. And since when did he become your friend?"

"Lothe!"

He raised his free hand in surrender. "Okay, okay. All right. I’ll apologize."

Seana pulled back to look at him. "You will?"

"Don’t sound so surprised."

"I’m trying not to." He gave her a suspicious look. "You’re enjoying this far too much."

"Maybe." She squeezed his hand again. "And next time you get jealous, try talking to me first."

Lothe considered that. "I’ll consider it."

Seana stared at him. "That’s the best you’re going to give me, isn’t it?"

"You’re learning quickly."

She laughed, and this time, he smiled with her. The lotus scent rolling off her seemed even more enticing now; unable to resist, he leaned in and rubbed his nose gently against the side of her neck.

The sect, the mountains, and the mysteries of his breakthrough could wait.

For now, Seana was beside him. And Lothe intended to keep it that way.?