My Rib Is Her Guitar Pick Chapter 08

My Rib Is Her Guitar Pick Chapter 08

Two years later, in Vetternland, I sat in the garden reviewing the pieces for my exhibition.

Someone gently massaged my temples.

“Don’t look at artwork in bright sunlight for too long. It’s bad for your eyes.”

I tilted my head back to look at Kael Vinterborn and gave him a playful salute.

“I’ll do as you say, my Kael.”

I made him laugh. He rubbed my forehead affectionately.

“By the way, those two paintings sold. The buyer paid two hundred thousand gold coins. I’ll send the money

to you.”

I shook my head. “Please don’t send it. I still haven’t finished repaying what I owe you.’

I raised my hand and gently traced the area over his ribs through his shirt.

A long scar ran across his side, left there because of me.

“Why did you have your own rib transplanted into me? Even without another titanium-alloy implant, I could have received a rib from a cadaver donor.”

Kael was the Alpha of Stormhowl Pack. I had once worked alongside him while tracking a rogue hideout,

back before I became the Golden Warrior.

He was stern and reserved, with a reputation for being cold and ruthless. I had always addressed him respectfully as Alpha Vinterborn.

During that year-long mission, he personally trained me and taught me countless combat techniques.

After the mission ended, I returned to Ironmoon Pack and began preparing to earn the title of Golden

Warrior.

At the same time, Stormhowl Pack was struck by a hurricane, leaving Kael occupied with relocating the pack

compound.

By the time he saw me again, I had already been bonded to Malak for a long time.

Kael never dared reveal his feelings. He only told me to contact him whenever I needed help.

He was the one who had lent me the two hundred thousand gold coins.

Kael said his wolf had never forgotten my scent. When his wolf heard mine howling in agony, he followed

the sound, found me in danger, and saved me.

But that was far from all he had done.

Kael gave me his eighth rib. It integrated with my body far better than a titanium-alloy implant, reducing the risks and discomfort while helping my wolf recover.

He also paid my parents a settlement in exchange for their cooperation with my staged death. They signed a permanent no-contact agreement and legal waivers relinquishing any future right to visit me, inherit from me, or make claims on me/as my family.

At the time, they believed I did not have long to live. They were also afraid that the bonding settlement trust Malak had promised the Ironcrest family would fall through, so they took Kael’s money and signed without

hesitation.

Kael was also the one who had his people locate the evidence and witnesses and release everything online.

My chest surgery was ultimately successful.

But afterward, I had no idea what I could still do with my life.

Kael brought me a set of paintbrushes and offered me another path.

“Sunniva, there are many ways to take control of your life. Painting is one of them.”

“I know you loved painting more than anything when you were a child. But your parents always said that

studying art was a waste of money for a family like the Ironcrests. They forced you to choose a career they

believed could raise the family’s status.”

“I have two artist friends who have seen your work. They both said you’re gifted. From now on, you can do

whatever you truly love. No one will ever hold you back again.”

Kael was right. My family’s obsession with rank and status had controlled me for as long as I could

remember.

To prove that I was not beneath Vesna, I had abandoned the things I genuinely loved again and again.

I consoled myself with the thought that at least fighting still brought me some happiness.

I occasionally drew to relax. But when I resigned from the warrior ranks, I left all my sketches behind.

I never expected Kael to collect and preserve them for me.

I once asked him whether paying my parents that settlement had felt like a terrible waste.

He smiled.

“If money can buy your freedom, then it isn’t a waste. Sunniva, you’ve already done more than enough. You don’t owe anyone, and you don’t have to carry other people’s lives on your shoulders anymore.”

Even so, I did not want to simply take his money.

I picked up my brushes again and held an exhibition at a small gallery in Vanguard Square. After selling my first piece, I began slowly repaying him with the proceeds.

Kael did not try to stop me.

He respected every decision I made. Unlike Malak, he never disguised his help as condescending charity.

Kael took my hand and gently kissed my fingertips.

“In the old story, Eve was created from Adam’s rib.”

“Sunniva, I’m not suggesting that this makes you an extension of me. I only mean that I was more than willing to play a part in your new beginning.”

The opening day of my exhibition was a success.

Several more paintings sold.

After the gallery closed, I waited for Kael by the entrance. He had gone around the corner to buy my favorite

cinnamon rolls.

Footsteps approached from behind me.

I turned around and found myself staring into Malak’s face.