Derek's POV
My brows furrowed as I continued to ask, "Which city?" "Priscilla couldn't remember clearly. Back then, she wandered around from her hometown without any purpose, just following other werewolves and going with the flow. She only said that the city was relatively close to the sea." "At that time, even the names of various places were constantly changing, and it would probably be impossible to find accurately based solely on such clues." "It's okay. Take your time to search. I'm already happy to have met Priscilla. It's like a sign from above. Maybe Priscilla will remember more things one day," Tabitha said. "Tabitha, it is true that there are clues, but you also need to be mentally prepared. Even if Shana, who was served by Priscilla, looks very similar to you, it could just be a coincidence. "It is normal to find similar people in this world, especially considering it was sixty years ago. There is a possibility that she has no connection toTabitha's POV After I finished taking a shower, I found Derek leaning on the leather sofa. His head tilted slightly back, his handsome face filled with exhaustion. His eyes were tightly closed. It seemed that he had fallen asleep. I glanced at him and didn't wake him up. Instead, I sat down quietly across from him and casually picked up a programming book. A cool breeze blew in through the window, and Derek woke up slowly. I looked at the desolate scene outside. It seemed like it would snow in a few days. The room was brightly lit, forming a sharp contrast with the dark and gloomy sky outside. On the table were freshly flown-in flowers, trimmed elegantly, with a faint scent of freshness lingering in the air. However, no matter how cozy this place was decorated, it could not change the relationship between me and Derek. The cold used to be outside, but now it was between us. Like before, when I saw him sleeping, I would definitely cov
Tabitha's POVOn the day when the first snowfall arrived, I went out.I thought pushing myself too hard would make my condition worse, but oddly enough, ever since I got pregnant, my abdominal wound had hardly bothered me at all.I didn't know if I had gotten rid of the wolfsbane in my body, but one thing was for sure: my health had stabilized and wasn't getting any worse.For me, that was the best outcome I could ask for.It had been almost a year since I'd really enjoyed a good shopping spree or just soaked in life.Standing in the hottest shopping center, I spotted this woman in work attire walking fast in high heels and a wool coat.As she was glancing around under the billboard, I walked over, calling her name softly, "Gloria."Hearing my voice, she whipped around to look at me, her face lighting up as she recognized me.Today, I wore a black wool coat. My hair had grown quite a bit, so I curled it up in a bun.A pair of simple
Tabitha's POV Gloria grabbed my hand anxiously and asked, "Goodbye? Where are you going?" "Don't worry. I just need a spot to chill for a bit," I tried to soothe her. "Well, I could tell from your outfit today that you're trying to clear your head. I mean, you look like an ice queen. Will it gonna take long?" she asked. "Well. Yes, I guess," I replied softly. "Alright, it might actually be a good choice for you to leave this hell." Gloria had always been lively and cheerful. But now, she didn't know how to comfort me because she knew that the suffering I had gone through couldn't be wiped away with just a few words. To shift my attention, she ordered many expensive dishes. With a smile, she said to me, "Tabitha, just eat whatever you want today. My treat. I'm loaded now, so don't hold back!" I chuckled, "Keep your voice down, or people will think you're a nouveau riche." "What's the big deal? I earned this myself! Tabitha, tell you w
Tabitha's POVThe next morning, I went to check on Dad, who was all skin and bones in bed, for the last time.His muscles had atrophied, and his face appeared aged and gaunt.The room was thick with the smell of medicine.I hadn't had the guts to come in here for days, for I knew that once I made up my mind, I would have to let him go.A heavy snowfall last night blanketed the yard outside.I pulled back the thick blackout curtains and opened the window, letting sunlight and snow swirl into the room.I hadn't sensed Dad's wolf for a long time.Looking at him, I whispered, "Dad, you haven't enjoyed the fresh air for a long time, right? It's winter again, and it's snowing."My right hand wasn't as nimble as my left one yet, but I could manage basic movements just fine now.Thus, before I came in, I scooped up a handful of snow and shaped a little snow bunny.Putting that bunny on the bedside table, I went on chatting with Dad.
Daphne's POVI also attended John's funeral.Sitting in a wheelchair, I watched from a distance as Derek held an umbrella for Tabitha. The scene of them standing together while snow fell all around them looked so dreamlike as if they were the prince and princess in some fairy tale.In the past few days, I asked Derek many times about John's whereabouts, but he never spilled a word.It wasn't until this morning that I heard the news of John, yet, it was about his death.I couldn't even get to say goodbye to him before he died, and he never knew that I was his biological daughter.Derek was ruthless indeed.It was the punishment for my sin, he said.But what did I do wrong?I'd been kept in the dark for so many years. And now, both of my parents tragically died because of me, and I was tormented by guilt every single day.At first, I felt like the luckiest person on earth.I had a venerable father, a loving mother, and a caring fi
Derek's POVTabitha halted and turned when she heard Daphne's heartbroken cry.The servant tried to help Daphne up, but she stubbornly crawled toward me.Her helpless, pitiful appearance reminded me of Tabitha a year ago when she begged me not to reject her.Now I felt so sorry for her."Aren't you gonna do something?" Tabitha crossed her arms, clearly thinking I was ignoring Daphne for her sake."You don't need to care about my feelings. I don't mind." I felt a bit hurt. I reached out and held Tabitha's hand. "Tabitha, you misunderstand. I never had feelings for Daphne. I agreed to make her my Luna out of obligation."Tabitha sneered, "Interesting. So you paid your debt by taking her to bed.""Tabitha, Kyrian is..." I was about to blurt out the truth.But as I closed my eyes, the image of me rescuing Tabitha from the sea that night flashed through my mind. She was barely breathing. A sharp pang of pain struck my heart.The mas
Derek's POVThe Thunderflame Isles, also known as the Hell Isles, was composed of five islands.This place was like a garbage disposal center, taking prisoners on death row and slaves from everywhere, which also made this place a breeding ground for fighting beasts.Anyone who wanted to survive here had to keep running and keep fighting.All the skilled werewolf hunters in the world had to go through the deadly fighting of the Hell Isles.The rule was that the participants of the new round of trials would be randomly placed on four different islands, starting the wilderness survival mode.Ninety percent of the werewolves were eliminated within three months, leaving only ten percent to advance from four islands to the main island, and finally determining the top three individuals.After the top three passed the test, they would be sold at a high price.Perhaps they would become a high-ranking guard of some royal werewolves in the future, or per
Alvin's POVNow I finally knew what Alpha Derek was up to. Turned out from the beginning, he wasn't really trying to send Tabitha out for training.He was just looking for a chance to get her injected with M-1.But I had a feeling that this wasn't a good idea."But Alpha Derek, even though Tabitha has a tough past, she has the right to decide whether or not to forget about it. By injecting that drug against her will, you're just pushing her away. One day, when she regains her memories, she's gonna hate you even more..."Alpha Derek raised his wedding ring, the silver band shimmering with a cold gleam in the sunlight."Do you think I haven't thought about all this? Fine, let's forget how hard her journey has been. But just look at her now. Revenge is the only thing on her mind. She has become extremely sensitive, unable to sleep at night. The slightest noise wakes her up, and when she does manage to sleep, she'll keep having nightmares. Plus, those memor
Third person's POVDerek hadn't expected Kyrian to react so strongly. He'd only wanted Tabitha to know about Kyrian's existence, but he'd overlooked the fact that Kyrian was no longer a clueless toddler like his younger siblings.At this age, children understood everything and had developed their own complex emotions."I'm sorry."Derek carried Kyrian step by step back to the house. Kyrian was wrapped tightly in the military coat, while Derek was left exposed to the snow and wind.Although Kyrian had spent more time with Derek growing up, Derek had been chasing after Tabitha these past two years, and Kyrian rarely got to see his father.When Kyrian saw Derek covered in snow, his crying gradually subsided.He wasn't the only one hurting. Derek must have been suffering too.Kyrian sniffled softly, and Derek looked into his eyes, speaking earnestly, "I promise you, one day I'll bring Mom back, okay?"Kyrian's nose was red f
Third person's POVAs soon as Tabitha stepped out of the house, the biting winter wind hit her face like a knife, stinging her skin.Just as Derek had said, everything had been arranged."Tabitha, the helicopter is ready. You can leave now.""Thank you.""However, the helipad is a bit far. You'll need to walk there.""That's fine," Tabitha waved it off.Wrapped in a thick down jacket, she buried her face in the hood. She felt as though someone was watching her, but she didn't dare look back.She was afraid that if she turned around, she wouldn't be able to leave. In her heart, she kept repeating, Don't look back. Just keep walking.Behind the curtains, Derek held Kyrian, who was crying silently. Kyrian reached out toward the empty air, as if trying to grab the hem of Tabitha's coat."Dad, I don't want Mom to leave. Will she abandon me?""No, she loves you. How could she abandon you? She's just leaving for a
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b