Tabitha's POV
The 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
Tabitha's POVLaughter rang out as I calmly glanced around.There were a total of eleven shifters in the room, nine he-wolves and two she-wolves. Besides me, there was another she-wolf curled up in the corner.Since they were all condemned prisoners, no doubt that they were ruthless.I knew Derek must have had a backup plan, and at least one of these guys had to be on his side.I then found an empty corner to hunker down in. Just then, the man who first spoke to me started striding over.It must've been a long time since he had taken a shower, as the stench he got was almost unbearable.He loomed over me, with one hand pressing on the wall right next to my ear.I frowned and asked in a cold voice, "What do you want?""I don't care how you got here. But now that you're on my turf, you gotta listen to me. Once I give an order, you'll have to obey, get it?"I looked him dead in the eye, asking, "What do you want me to do?"Hearing
Tabitha's POVThe rest of the time passed without any drama. I kept to my corner, leaning against the wall.Jamar and his crew would occasionally cast hostile glances at me.I knew they were just waiting for their moment.Once we hit the island, the real bloodbath would start.After a month of training, I ranked top with outstanding results.The twin brothers, who often huddled together to keep warm in the corner, wanted to team up with me, but I rejected them.I always flew solo while observing that she-wolf named Kylie Perez.Everyone kept their distance from her, even Jamar didn't dare to provoke her.She had this dark vibe about her, like a snake lurking in the shadows.It was like if everyone behaved themselves, she wouldn't do anything, but once someone crossed her, she'd strike hard.These days, I tried getting closer to her, but she just ignored everyone.Having survived the peaceful month, we'd be dropped onto an u
Derek's POVMy mood was conflicted. I wanted to grant Tabitha freedom, but it had to be under my control.On the island, danger was unpredictable, and any unexpected event could haunt me for life."Yes, Alpha Derek. I will arrange for her elimination immediately."A few minutes later, Devin ran over in a panic and said, "Something is wrong, Alpha Derek. The tracking device on Tabitha has been turned off."I flicked away the cigarette I was holding and stared at him. "What do you mean?""Not long ago, I checked the device myself and there was no issue. It's not that there's no signal—it's like it just vanished! The device is very durable and hard to destroy, so Tabitha must have turned it off herself."I furrowed my brows. Clearly, this was Tabitha's doing.She guessed that I would eliminate her in this round, and she had already made up her mind to enter the Black Wolf Guild, so she made the first move.I shouldn't have underestimat
Tabitha's POVIn no time, I threw him over my shoulder and ran forward without a backward glance.From behind, I could hear Jamar cursing up a storm. "Asher, you are so weak. Can't you even handle a woman?"Damn it. You messed up the sure thing."Hurry up and chase after her!" Several people quickly set off in my direction.The guy called Asher suddenly murmured, "Found her."Upon hearing this, I turned around alertly.I saw him slowly getting up, watching his buddies rush off with a smirk on his face. Feeling weird, I still turned around and kept running.I ran as fast as I could, but the jungle terrain was rough and uneven, with the occasional snakes slithering across my path.The sky was darkening, and sweat drenched my clothes.The pursuers were closing in, turning our chase into a tense game of cat and mouse."Run all you want; let's see where you think you're going today!"Seeing that I was physically weak, someone se
Third person's POVGloria held Helios on her lap, skillfully peeling a grape and feeding it to him, her experience with children evident."Feeling better now that it's out," she said, watching the child play quietly nearby.Tabitha casually inquired, "Why did you hold back on the day we met, only to tell me today?"Gloria had her excuse ready, responding, "You had just returned to the States, and I didn't know your situation. I was afraid it would cause you trouble."Tabitha peeled a few more grapes before setting them aside when Helios indicated he'd had enough.She then looked at Gloria and said slowly, "You weren't afraid of causing me trouble. You were afraid I would leave, weren't you?"Gloria was taken aback, about to argue, but Tabitha saw through her, "Every time you lie, you subconsciously avert your gaze, fearing I'll see through you."Gloria, in a fit of exasperation, covered her face with a blanket, "You two are tru
Third person's POVDerek's face contorted with pain as he continued, "After Tabitha faked her death, I suspected what had happened. I was torn at the time, wanting to bring her back, but I also understood that doing so would only repeat past mistakes. So, I protected her within my control and waited silently. Gloria, I swear, I won't hurt her again."A hint of pleading appeared on Derek's face as he went on, "I'm asking for your help not out of selfishness. Tabitha's illness isn't fully healed, her body hasn't recovered, and with two children in tow, she wouldn't be able to protect herself if danger arises."Gloria had never seen Derek so humble.She remembered how Derek had always approached her with a condescending attitude four years ago.Derek continued, "You are Tabitha's friend, and your starting point should be considering her safety, right? If I wanted to harm her, I could just bring her back directly, so why would I go through the trouble
Third person's POVThe two children were a blend of their parents. The girl resembled Derek, while the boy took after Tabitha, which was quite different from their brother, Kyrian.Derek thought to himself that if Kyrian knew he had two younger siblings, he would be thrilled.But when he considered his relationship with Tabitha, he sighed deeply, filled with regret for his past actions.At that moment, Alvin approached swiftly and reported, "Just received news from the island. Noah is taking Ayla away, and Lucian's direction also leads to the island. He plans to take Tabitha away."Derek, with his hands behind his back and a furrowed brow, spoke with a melancholic expression, "Lucian intends to take more than just Ayla—Tabitha as well. She has always sought opportunities to leave me, and this presents her with an excellent chance.""What should we do? Should we stop him now? Otherwise, with his capabilities, if he truly takes Tabitha a
Third person's POVPlans... Tabitha's original goal had been to find her two children and Jasper.The children were found, but Jasper was without a trace.However, she couldn't search aimlessly without a target.Thinking of Derek's anxious appearance last night, it was clear he still had feelings for her.Gloria's text warning Tabitha to be careful of Derek came to Tabitha's mind again.Tabitha felt she had overlooked some subtle details. What exactly had she missed?It seemed a key point was missing, and once found, it would connect all the events."I don't know. I just wanted to find the children, but I didn't expect to court death. And Derek's attitude towards me is ambiguous. Outside this cabin, I don't know what awaits me," Tabitha said, her face full of entanglement.Seeing her struggle, Lucian took a big gulp of mineral water and mustered the courage to say, "Have you severed ties with him?"Tabitha nodded,
Third person's POVDerek had painstakingly built up Tabitha's trust by posing as Wilmot.He knew that if she ever discovered his true identity, her anger would be immense, and the trust he had spent half a year constructing would crumble entirely.Derek continued, "Send someone to discreetly protect her without revealing themselves. Ayla is still on the island. Tabitha will go to see her."Rolf nodded in agreement, "Understood."Derek added with caution, "Remember, Lucian has a strong ability to detect surveillance, so do not get too close."Rolf responded, "Yes, Alpha Derek. We will handle it immediately."Turning to Alvin, Derek instructed, "Investigate the identities of those deceased men thoroughly."Derek pondered whether Tabitha's survival had been leaked, perhaps when she was seen on the boat.The assailants had been ruthless, and if not for Lucian's timely arrival, Tabitha could have been in grave danger. He had
Third person's POVForrest's voice was laced with worry, "Ms. Hartley, where are you now?"Tabitha had already settled her wages with Forrest before sending the children to the island. She couldn't fathom why he would contact her at this juncture.She couldn't help but feel puzzled.Tabitha inquired, "What's wrong?"Forrest replied, "Wilmot's had an accident. You need to come see him."Tabitha was still trying to make sense of Derek's appearance at the bar when she heard about Wilmot's predicament, and her heart immediately filled with worry.She quickly asked, "What happened to him?"Forrest explained, "Wilmot was already ill recently, and he drank a lot tonight. He's suffered from alcohol poisoning and has been taken to the hospital. He keeps asking to see you, Ms. Hartley. Where are you? Can you come to see him?"Tabitha thought to herself that even if she knew her current location, she couldn't just tell anyone.
Third person's POVTwo more gunshots rang out, the shooter's aim dead on as two more men fell to the ground.Tabitha saw a tall figure standing deep in the alley, shrouded in a cloak, making it impossible to discern who it was.Tabitha's mind raced with questions. Was he a friend or foe?The man removed his hat, revealing the distinctive totem mask beneath.Tabitha stared in disbelief and uttered, "Lucian, why are you here?""Long story. Come with me," Lucian said, grabbing Tabitha's hand and leading her away.They didn't get far before Tabitha glanced back to see Derek and Leopold rushing out of a bar together.Surprise washed over Tabitha. How could Derek be here?Her blood seemed to freeze. 'When did he return?'Lucian pulled Tabitha into a dilapidated black car that passed right in front of Derek.Leaning against the car window, Tabitha gazed at Derek, lost in thought.'If Leopold had arranged to
Third person's POVLeopold carefully compared the photos. Although the person in the photos was dressed differently and had a different appearance, the body shape and the action of holding things with the left hand were identical.Derek became alert, thinking to himself, "People like us are more sensitive than ordinary people. Such photos wouldn't catch the attention of most, but I've noticed something.""Where's the negative?" Derek asked."I'll have it sent over right away," Leopold replied."And Tabitha?" Derek inquired again."Don't worry, she followed me to the bar. She's in the lobby outside. I have my bodyguards keeping an eye on her," Leopold said.Tabitha had been following Leopold for several days, and Derek, concerned about his own people being exposed, asked Leopold's men to watch her.She maintained a simple daily routine without any issues.However, the photos now revealed to Derek that someone was tracking
The next day, Tabitha began to investigate Leopold's movements meticulously.For several days, she did not dare to slack off. Gloria, who had recently suffered a miscarriage, had been recuperating in Leopold's home, not venturing out.A tight-lipped woman handled the daily tasks of shopping, cooking, and cleaning.Despite Tabitha's attempts to get close to her, she couldn't extract any information.As a week passed, it had been half a month since Gloria's miscarriage, and by her nature, she should soon be able to go out.On the sixth day of tracking Leopold, he called Derek out for drinks.He rubbed his temple, looking troubled, "Your mate, doesn't she think she's disguising herself well?"With that, Leopold threw out a stack of photos, all of which were taken while Tabitha was following him.Tabitha's curious little head appeared adorable in the photos."Or do you think I'm so idle that I play house with her every day?"