Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Ancient Power Awakens

Elara’s POV

The second Julian threw out that question, I could practically feel every creature in the other wards leaning forward. They all wanted to know why Kaelen was getting the VIP treatment.

I spun around and flashed the sea demon in Chamber Two my brightest smile. "Ran out of ingredients. Only had enough for one portion."

Julian’s eyes narrowed.

Did I look like some amateur he could intimidate?

I gave him a casual shrug. No way was I apologizing for having preferences. Adorable creatures earned special treatment. Was I really supposed to hand over cake to him instead of that precious little dragon?

Please. With those massive fangs, he expected dessert? Not happening.

I studied Julian’s beast form and my mind wandered. If this merman ever transformed into human shape, he’d probably resemble that creepy neighbor from back home—you know the type, with gaudy gold teeth that caught the light every time he spoke.

But then reality hit—I was here to work. Staff member. Nothing more.

I let out a breath. "Alright, alright. We genuinely ran out. Stay on your best behavior and I’ll whip something up tomorrow."

A collective shudder swept through the facility.

"Best behavior???"

Julian wasn’t the only one stunned—Kaelen from across the corridor, the ones positioned diagonally, the ones three cells down—everyone flinched.

Julian. SSS-class merman beastman. Rare high-purity lineage. Navy Admiral. Just got lectured about manners by some random woman.

I added cheerfully, "Besides, too much sugar wrecks your teeth. Look at those fangs—if one goes bad, that’s a nightmare to fix."

Just like Alistair the day before, Julian’s expression darkened completely.

But then something shifted. He shot a sideways glance at Kaelen, who was contentedly munching across the way, then back at himself. A slow grin crept across his features. "Alright. I’ll behave."

The entire building went dead silent.

Across the hallway. Diagonally positioned. Down the corridor. Next door. The one after that.

Everyone’s mouths dropped open.

"Admiral... you feeling okay in there?"

That was Barrett from Chamber Four.

Julian replied, "Couldn’t be better."

I shivered. Jesus, the sea demon was actually smiling.

A thought struck me—did any of them realize I was their contracted bride?

Doubtful. Otherwise these daily food runs would be absolutely mortifying. I’d spent my entire previous life single right up to the end, and now I’d landed here with multiple husbands in one night? How exactly was I supposed to navigate that mess?

I made my choice—if nobody mentioned it, I’d play ignorant and act like it never happened.

When I got to Chamber Three, I peered inside. The little leopard was spinning in circles, chasing his tail.

Maybe he was too focused on his game—when he heard me approach, he startled so hard he actually jumped.

So precious. Completely heart-melting.

But he was so young. Barely of age. System, that’s just cruel...

I was about to speak when Dorian noticed me at the opening. His face brightened instantly and he dragged his tail toward me. Midway there, he suddenly pounced.

The barrier crashed down. Sirens wailed. I stumbled backward. Robots flooded in, all rushing toward the lower level. And then the crimson mist started pouring out.

My wood ability kicked in automatically again. Emerald vines exploded from my hands and began feeding.

Half strength yesterday, maximum power today!

Level Two.

But there wasn’t time to celebrate, because the sounds from Chamber Three were more terrifying than Kaelen’s breakdown. Deep, animalistic growls. Chaotic spiritual energy flooding the hallway. Dorian’s spirit collapse readings were climbing once more.

As the youngest prince of the Valerion Empire, he possessed an ancient, primal bloodline.

Noble and extraordinary. But it was also why he’d lost his liberty so early, imprisoned here waiting for death like all the others.

At readings this extreme, no one could rescue them.

The wards fell completely quiet. Who would lose control next?

My vines continued feeding, spreading across the floor like creeping ivy, taking root and slithering toward Chamber Three. The instant they made contact with the ground inside, Dorian’s rampage ceased. The vines wound along, consumed the remaining crimson energy, and disappeared.

So much blood everywhere.

Chamber Three’s barrier pulled back first. Medical robots flooded in. Dorian was sprawled on the floor, unconscious, with wings and horns protruding from his body that hadn’t existed before.

"Multiple bone breaks detected. Psychic spirit collapse level at 83%. Emergency transfer to medical pod necessary."

It had increased again.

Barrett’s expression grew grimmer. He was positioned directly opposite Dorian—he’d witnessed everything the moment the barrier lowered.

"Your Highness..."

Dorian was already being transported away, unconscious, toward the treatment chamber. The blood got sanitized. Everything returned to normal, as if nothing had occurred.

I sighed. Out of sight truly was out of mind. But once you witnessed it? It was devastating.

System, you’re torturing me.

And it was my own mistake for boarding the wrong transport. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.

Following Dorian’s episode, the robots took over the remaining meal deliveries. I was female, and while these machines lacked emotions, their programming gave priority to female safety during emergencies.

I returned to my quarters and collapsed on my bed, replaying the day’s events. The more I pondered, the drowsier I became. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Elara, get it together. You’re just here for work.

Pitying men only leads to trouble.

I slept terribly that night. Nightmares all night long—zombies pursuing me, spirits chasing me, and a repeating dream where the snow leopard in Chamber Three died.

I shot upright. Threw on clothes. Glanced at the time: early morning. Meal service. Today I’d prepared fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, buttered toast, fresh fruit, and a bowl of rich chicken noodle soup.

When the door buzzed, I wheeled the cart inside. Now that Kaelen had reduced his beast form, my job was simpler—I just made regular portions. Today, everyone received their meals simultaneously.

"Watch out for the soup. It’s hot. Don’t scald yourself."

Kaelen nodded. "Got it. Thanks."

I wasn’t using headphones today. My mind was on Chamber Three, concerned about that fluffy little leopard. He couldn’t actually be dead, right?

Lost in worry, I stayed quiet when it was Julian’s turn.

Wasn’t he also having soup? Couldn’t he burn himself too?

This woman had been showing favoritism consistently.

Was it simply because he was hideous?

Now that he thought about it—with Kaelen’s readings, logically speaking, he shouldn’t have managed to transform back at all. But he had. And his wounds had healed.

I noticed Julian looking up sharply at Kaelen across the corridor, who was happily eating his breakfast. There, wrapped around his small black paw, was a single green vine.

Yesterday, he had probably assumed I was a robot, so the vine hadn’t caught his attention. But now? Now he understood.

I watched as Julian turned to observe me. He probably realized I possessed an ability. An incredibly rare wood ability.

Because for generations, the Valerion Empire records were definitive: not a single individual had manifested wood power. Not one.