Chapter 2

I was young and ignorant then. I only knew the sweetness of love, unaware of the bitterness it could bring.

The witch drugged Rook back then and locked us up in the same room. It was then I realized how far things had spiraled beyond my control.

I pounded on the door in panic, my voice trembling with anger. "No! I don’t want to force Rook into anything. He’ll hate me for this!"

The witch cackled eerily. "Silly girl, you’re destined to be together. He likes you too. Once tonight is a success, he’ll marry you."

I broke the door's handle in anger, but the witch had placed a spell on the room. There was no way for us to get out. Things took a turn for the worse when I started to feel my body burn up.

"How dare you drug me too?!"

"Of course, I have to drug you, babe. Enjoy your night!"

It was too late. Rook’s body radiated heat like a furnace, his breathing heavy and uneven. His glowing eyes reflected the wildness of a beast under the moonlight. He pushed me down, but he did not mark me.

When the sun rose, I was aching all over and feeling weak, while Rook was already dressed. His back was facing me, and he spoke without betraying any emotions, "Moon Shadow Pack and Heavenly Wolf Pack will unite in a marriage alliance. Let's get engaged, Rhea."

I thought it was a declaration of love. Instead, it marked the beginning of my nightmare.

Rook did not return to our room the night of the engagement.

When I went searching for him, I overheard Rook chatting with this friend.

"I envy you, Rook," his friend said. "You were raised to inherit your pack, and now you’ve married Princess Rhea, the most beautiful woman from the Heavenly Wolf Pack. She’s completely devoted to you."

Rook swirled his wine, his expression shadowed, his voice cold. "She’s not bad. I used to like her. But how could I love someone so easy? The thought of her drugging me and forcing herself into my bed disgusts me."

His words hit me like a blow. I stumbled back to my room, unable to think of a way to explain what had really happened.

The next day, Rook left for the battlefield to reclaim Moon Shadow Pack's lost territories.

I stayed behind in Moon Shadow Territory, managing affairs with the help of my people from the Heavenly Wolf Pack. I poured resources into Rook’s campaigns and busied myself with work, finding some solace in my responsibilities.

Eight months later, Air was born prematurely. I begged Rook to return for the Blessing Ritual, but I never heard back from him.

I took careful care of Ari and kept convincing myself that Rook and I could repair our relationship once he returned from the battlefield.

When he finally returned, the only thing waiting for me was watching him care and dote on Sera and Anna.

That night, I made up my mind to speak with him. I wanted him to treat Ari better, to see the son who longed for his love.

When I pushed open the door, I saw Rook.

His gaze fell on Ari, but it was just a glance. He turned to look at me next. "Anna wants your room. Pack up your things and move to the basement."