Seraphina was discharged from the hospital two weeks later, and during the time she was hospitalized, Luke visited her often, but Seraphina never allowed him in.

It hurt him deeply, especially when Ezekiel was allowed to see her. The bet between them was still active and Luke feared he might have made a grave mistake. He still watched her from afar to protect her, because now that he knew about her illness he couldn’t afford to slack off.

Soon the annual banquet was held as a way for ...