A low laugh echoed from within the crystal. “Finally, you’ve come to your senses.”
Aveline’s heart raced just hearing that piercing tone. The name immediately struck her mind—
Regan Lourdes.
The Alpha of Moonscar. The feared pack that roamed the entire territory, the eternal enemy of Darkvenom. The wolf who had once approached her in the darkness, staring at her as if he could pierce her soul, then offering her a choice.
‘Aveline, sooner or later you will understand that Darkvenom is a liar. Your real mother is dead. She is the elder of Moonscar, and you possess an extraordinary healing power from her bloodline. Wear this black necklace given to you by your mother, if you change your mind.’
Aveline was furious and disbelieving at the time. She thought Regan was trying to deceive her, to destroy the family she believed loved her. But despite her anger, for some reason her instinct told her to wear the necklace. And now, all the answers were revealed. The necklace had ultimately become her savior.
“Aveline, you seem hesitant—”
“No.” Aveline cut him off quickly. “I’ve thought it through. Joining Moonscar isn’t just about escaping Darkvenom. I want my life to matter by becoming a healer for other wolves, not a slave to Rose.”
There was a moment of silence. Then Regan’s voice sounded relieved. “Good. But you must remember one thing. Once you enter, there’s no way back.”
Aveline held her breath. She knew Regan was offering both a hand and a threat. But when she closed her eyes, the faces of Logan, Rose, her mother, her father flashed before her—the people she once loved, now leaving only festering wounds.
“Yes,” her voice grew cold. “Besides, I have no one left here.”
“If that’s the case, I’ll come for you—”
“Three days from now,” Aveline said firmly. “Logan’s birthday. When I’m healed and they’re certain I’ll give my marrow to Rose. Then… I’ll disappear.”
Regan’s laughter broke out, cynical yet satisfied. “A perfect plan.”
Aveline hurriedly closed the crystal as the door suddenly opened. A healer entered. His face was concerned. Without him speaking, Aveline already knew what he would say.
“I know I’ve lost my baby,” Aveline’s voice choked, pained. “But please don’t tell any wolf about this. Including Logan.”
The healer was startled, but ultimately chose to comply.
Better for Aveline to hide this. Rather than give them satisfaction over her suffering.
When the healer left, Logan immediately appeared at the door. Aveline felt the atmosphere in the room suddenly grow cold. Like her heart.
“Darling, you’ve finally come to your senses.” Logan’s face was filled with relief.
Aveline swallowed her nausea as Logan approached and embraced her gently.
“I failed to protect you. Forgive me, darling. Forgive me.” His voice trembled and his eyes red from crying.
If Aveline knew nothing, she would certainly be deeply moved. She thought she was being deeply loved by her fiancé. But now Aveline had to watch everything unfold like swallowing poison.
“Because of that kidnapper, our wedding had to be canceled.” Logan squeezed her hand, his voice filled with regret. “I know you’re upset, but I promise to you on my birthday, we’ll go through with the wedding.”
Aveline stared blankly at his shoulder. Her heart screamed, laughing bitterly and disgusted.
Her guess about Logan’s plan was correct. It was clearly a lie. He was just stalling for time until she recovered, then he’d donate his bone marrow to Rose. He was truly a liar.
Aveline’s hands clenched silently. Just as she was about to dismiss Logan under the pretext of needing rest, the door opened again. Aveline’s eyes locked on her mother, who entered with a bowl of fresh, peeled fruit.
“Eat plenty,” Emma said brusquely, her face flat and cold. She placed the bowl on the nightstand, then turned and left.
No smile. Not even bothering to ask about Aveline’s condition, or pretend to be kind.
“Mom.” Logan’s voice sounded calm, but Aveline knew it was just a warning signal for Emma not to be too harsh in front of him.
Her mother’s steps paused briefly. Only the sound of heavy breathing could be heard.
“I’m going to Rose’s room. Her condition is much worse than yours, Aveline,” she said, without turning back, then walked away.
Aveline watched her mother’s back disappear behind the door. Empty. Cold. As if her heart had died too. How foolish she had been to ever believe that love was real.
“Your mother is just tired,” Logan tried to soothe the wound with kind words as he fed her a piece of fruit. “Taking care of two sick daughters is indeed difficult.”
Aveline opened her mouth, swallowing without taste. It wasn’t the fruit that was bitter, but the reality being forced upon her.
That day, she sat in silence, watching Logan continue to pretend, as if they were a loving couple.
“Your mother asked me to watch over Rose for a while. You rest, okay?” Logan said softly.
“Yes,” Aveline replied briefly.
When Logan left her, the room felt spacious—quiet. Finally, she was alone. Aveline closed her eyes for a few minutes, trying to enjoy the silence until she almost fell asleep.
But a moment later, something hot spilled onto her stomach. Aveline opened her eyes and her breath caught in her throat. A child stood beside her, holding a bowl half-filled with werewolf protein porridge.
“I hate you, my father’s whore!” Olivia’s face contorted with anger unbecoming of her age. “Because of you, I’ve had to hide all this time. Now… just die!”
Before Aveline could dodge, she threw the rest of the porridge at her stomach.
The hot liquid spread, touching the stab wound in her stomach, causing her muscles to tense.
She curled up, enduring the pain that shook every fiber of her body. The metal stab wound, the loss of her baby, and now the hot spill—all mixed together there.
