Elowen nodded in agreement at his words. “You’re going to join your life with Drake in the Moon-Bonding ceremony, so just stay within the den and tend to the matters at home.”
Narissa hadn’t expected that they would try to take away the only land and holdings her mother had left her. Her fingers clenched so tightly that they turned white and she could no longer contain her anger. “That was something my mother left for me, it’s my territory. What right do you have to make this decision on your own?”
Evan frowned and spoke up, “Because I hold shares in the territory and I have the right to make this decision. Now, just stay at home and rest. The healer said your health is very weak, so don’t worry about the lands.”
When the hide-curtain closed, Narissa’s eyes filled with tears and a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Whether it was the moon-carved likeness or the territory, she hadn’t been able to hold on to anything her mother had left her.
During this time, Drake made an effort to visit her every day. When he learned about the situation, his eyes were filled with compassion as he held her gently and comforted her in a soft voice, “Don’t worry, once we’re bonded, all these lands will be yours again. No one can take away what belongs to you.”
But his words no longer stirred any emotions in Narissa’s heart.
To cheer her up, Drake showered her with an endless supply of wolf-crafted figurines—little stuffed animals made of soft beast-pelts.
The entire room was soon filled with these plush pelts, decorated in her favorite pale-rose hues, turning it into Narissa’s favorite place to spend time in the den.
Yet one day, as Narissa woke from an afternoon nap, she overheard Liora’s voice outside the fur-curtain: “You gave Narissa so many figurines, but what about me?”
Her tone was filled with both coquetry and dissatisfaction. Through the white sheer wolfhide curtain, Narissa saw two figures leaning close to each other.
Drake’s voice was tense, carrying a hint of panic. “Narissa is still inside. Let’s talk outside.”
Liora let out a soft snort. “No, why are you scared? She is asleep. You give her figurines but not me? Hmph, I’m not speaking to you anymore.”
As she spoke, she turned to leave. Drake glanced nervously toward the curtain and seeing no movement inside, he quickly pulled her into his arms. He gently tapped her nose with a doting smile. “Silly little wolf, if you want some, I’ll have the craftsmen carve them for you too.”
Liora’s fingertip trailed down his chest, slowly moving up to his throat. “But, I want these ones. Will you give them to me?”
Drake grabbed her hand firmly, his expression turning cold. “Liora, please be good.”
Liora let out a soft huff, her face full of grievance. “But I just want the ones here!”
Drake’s expression softened again. “If you want, I’ll gather more for you, but the ones here are off-limits.”
Through the curtain, Liora’s eyes flickered with a mix of jealousy and hatred as she looked inside. Her expression shifted to one of quiet triumph as she lifted her head and kissed Drake’s lips.
Drake’s throat bobbed as he tried to push her away. “Let’s go somewhere else.”
Liora’s voice carried a playful laugh. “Haven’t we been doing this all along these days? Let’s do it here. Narissa won’t notice.”
He exhaled slowly, seemingly reassured, and lowered his head to bite her pale neck with abandon. “You little seductress.”
Their intimate, breathy whispers echoed faintly through the den.
The long-numbed heart of Narissa ached sharply once more, a wave of coldness spreading over her body.
After they left, she collapsed by the stone basin, vomiting violently.
For days, as she drifted into sleep countless times, Drake and Liora had already been entangled in their secret affair.
While they were lost in their reckless entanglement, Narissa recorded everything.
Not long after, she moved out. Every time she thought of that den, all she felt was disgust.
When Drake found out she had moved, he rushed to her in a panic. “Narissa, why did you move out?”
Narissa fixed her gaze on him and said, enunciating every word, “Because it’s dirty.”
His face instantly turned pale. Seeing this, Narissa curled her lips into a faint smile. “A dirty den is disgusting if it’s not cleaned properly, right?”
Hearing her words, Drake’s heart, which had been racing, finally settled down. He let out a slow sigh of relief. However, something about her words felt off, though he couldn’t quite figure out why. “You’re right. It does need a good cleaning.”
There was a hint of regret in his heart, realizing that he wouldn’t be able to visit that place anymore.
With that thought, a trace of guilt crossed his face as he spoke, “Narissa, we’re about to be bonded. I’ll make sure you have a grand ceremony.”
Narissa barely tugged at the corners of her lips, but there was no trace of a smile in her eyes. “Before the bonding ceremony, I’ll give you a surprise.”
Drake pulled her into his arms, a pleased smile curving his lips, his eyes soft with affection. “What’s the surprise?”
“It’s a secret.”
He was momentarily stunned, then chuckled helplessly, tightening his embrace around her. He whispered, “Narissa, do you know? I’ve been going crazy wanting to be with you.”
Narissa remained silent.
Only she knew that they wouldn’t be bonded—because she planned to leave this place on Liora’s nameday festival.
And there were only five days left until then.
