When Narissa returned home, she discovered that her old den-chamber was now filled with Liora’s belongings.

The den-servitor, Lily, approached her and said, “Miss, this chamber now belongs to Miss Liora.”

Lily’s gaze held a hint of pity as she looked at Narissa. Narissa stood frozen outside the doorway for a long moment before she finally spoke, her voice hoarse and trembling, “Then… where are my things?”

A minute later, Lily led her to a guest chamber covered in dust, her expression somewhat awkward.

"Miss, since you left, this room has been used to store your things. I'll clean it up right away."

Narissa pressed her lips together and said nothing. She spent more than half an hour searching through the guest chamber but found that the only carving-stone image she had with her mother was missing.

After her mother's death, her father refused to let anyone speak her name. He tore down all her mother's woven portraits, had all the memory-paintings of her burned, saying he didn't want to see them because they reminded him of sorrow.

At that time, she had secretly hidden a carved-stone frame with the only remaining likeness of her and her mother. She had kept it carefully in a wooden chest.

Remembering this, she hurried to her old chamber, only to find a memory-frame placed at the bedside. The carving was unmistakably the one of her and her mother.

With great care, she picked it up. The carving was perfectly preserved, showing her mother holding her with a gentle smile. Unable to hold back her tears any longer, they began to fall. However, through her tears, she noticed something familiar; a moon-forged hairpin.

It was the one her brother had specially crafted for her, along with the crescent necklace her mother had given her and the silver earrings Drake had once gifted her during the Spring Hunt.

These things, which she had carefully kept and never dared to wear, were now taken by Liora.

Unable to control her emotions any longer, Narissa trembled as she reached out to grab what was rightfully hers.

Behind her, a surprised voice called out, “Narissa, what are you doing in my chamber?”

Narissa clenched the items tightly in her hand. She shut her eyes, wiped away her tears and then, without hesitation, turned around and slapped her across the face.

Liora screamed as she was knocked to the ground and Drake rushed over in a panic, quickly helping her up. His face was filled with anger as he looked at Narissa, “Narissa, are you out of your mind? She’s your sister!”

Seeing the tears on Liora’s face, he became flustered and hastily called for a healer to bring cooling ice-leaves.

Normally, Narissa would have restrained herself, but now she was completely enraged, losing all sense of control. “Sister? She’s just the illegitimate cub of my father’s betrayal with another she-wolf.”

With a sharp slap, Narissa was sent crashing to the ground, her arm scraping against the rough stone-floor and bleeding.

With eyes burning with anger, she cupped her face, slowly lifting her head, only to meet Evan's cold gaze from above, looking at her as though she were something filthy.

Drake and Evan positioned themselves on either side of Liora, their postures protective. With a cold sneer, Drake uttered, “You’ve gone too far. The only reason you’re out of that Moon-Call prison so quickly is because of Liora.”

The words “Moon-Call prison” struck Narissa like a blow to the chest, instantly bringing back the horrors of her nightmare. But witnessing this scene only deepened the wound in her heart.

It felt as though someone had taken a knife and sliced through her chest repeatedly, the pain so intense that she could barely catch her breath.

Evan acted as if nothing had happened, casually reaching out to help her up while gently asking, "Does your face hurt?"

How could he speak to her like that when he had been the one who slapped her?

Narissa's eyes flashed with anger as she wrenched herself free from his touch and stood on her own. She gripped the items tightly in her hand, feeling an intense fear of losing them, as if she couldn’t hold on to what was rightfully hers.

With a fierce, trembling voice, she confronted Liora, who stood behind Drake. “These are my stuff. How dare you take them without my permission?”

Liora's face softened with a hint of guilt, her voice laced with feigned innocence. “I'm sorry, I just thought the necklaces were so pretty. Drake and Evan gave them to me. I didn't mean to take something that was yours.”

Upon hearing these words, Narissa's eyes trembled and her heart tightened with a sense of helplessness. She slowly turned her gaze toward them. “Is that so?”

Drake and Evan were immediately taken aback, as the once bright and smiling eyes of Narissa had now lost all their light.

For some reason, both of them felt a sense of unease. Evan suppressed his anxiety and coldly declared, “Liora just arrived and doesn’t have any moon-jewels. If you like something, I’ll craft new ones for you.”

Drake hurriedly stepped forward and reached out to grab Narissa, but he was met with the shock of how cold her hand was. His voice softened in an attempt to explain, “Narissa, it’s not a big deal. If you like something, I’ll commission a new set for you.”

Narissa remained silent, her gaze fixed on the gifts they once gave her. Back then, they spared no effort, spending moons choosing the perfect surprises for her.

But now everything had changed. Their hearts had changed and these gifts seemed to lose their meaning.

She forced a small, bitter smile and without warning, released her grip. The delicate jewelry fell to the ground and the sound of it crashing against the stone-floor made everyone in the room change their expression.

Narissa's cold gaze turned to Liora, who was visibly uncomfortable. Her voice was light but cutting as she spoke, “Liora, weren't you always the one who liked to steal other people's things? If you want them, they're yours.”

She didn’t want anything anymore, neither the people nor the things. She wanted it all gone.

Liora's expression froze, a flash of malice flickering in her eyes. Without warning, she shoved Narissa to the ground and then bent down to pick up the fallen items.

With a loud thud, Narissa’s body was forcefully knocked to the ground, causing the frame holding her mother’s moon-carved likeness to fall from her arms.

In the next moment, the frame shattered upon impact against the stone floor, scattering fragments of carved crystal across the den. Her and her mother’s image was left torn and scarred.

Tears welled up and streamed down her face. Her breath slowed as she stared at the broken carving, frozen in place. Desperately, she reached out, trembling, attempting to pick up the likeness from the broken shards. But before she could, Drake suddenly held her tightly, stopping her from moving.

His heart clenched as he saw her on the verge of breaking. He grabbed her trembling hand and pressed gentle kisses to her forehead, his voice shaky with concern, “Narissa, please don’t cry. It’s dangerous to touch the crystal, I promise you, the likeness will be fine.”

Narissa struggled desperately in his arms, her voice choked with emotion, “Let go of me! This is the only moon-carved likeness I have left of my mother, it’s mine!”

Drake quickly grasped her bloodied hand, his tone urgent, “Stop moving, your hand is hurt.”

Watching this, Evan was about to speak, when he noticed Liora reaching for the carving. In an instant, both of their expressions shifted.

As Liora reached for the likeness, a shard of crystal cut her hand deeply and blood began to flow. Drake immediately released Narissa, his face pale with concern as he grabbed Liora’s hand, his voice frantic, “Liora, you’re bleeding!”

Liora looked guilty, her face full of regret. “Narissa, I’ve been thinking about your mother’s kindness, so I kept the likeness by my bed, looking at it every day. I didn’t mean to take it.”

Narissa stared at Liora, her mind racing with disbelief. What had her mother ever done for them? The only thing they had ever taken from her was her father—and yet they shamelessly placed her mother’s moon-carving at their bedside. How could there be such cruel wolves in this world?

If her mother were to see this, how heartbroken she would be.

A deep sorrow settled in her heart, but no one seemed to notice. Evan wore a serious expression as he quickly called for the pack-healer to tend to Liora’s wound.

Liora, on the other hand, dismissed her bleeding hand with a soft, guilty smile. “It’s nothing. Just a little blood. As long as the likeness is fine, that’s all that matters.”

Everyone around her seemed overly concerned for Liora, asking if she was in pain. Meanwhile, Narissa bent down carefully to pick up the bloodied likeness. It was an old carving, the stone now stained with blood, and her mother’s face was partially obscured by the red marks that had seeped into it.

It felt just like the moment when her mother died in front of her. When she regained consciousness from the dazed state, she found herself cradled in her mother’s arms, her mother’s face already disfigured and covered in blood.

Her hands shook uncontrollably as her emotions completely broke down. Overcome with rage, she fainted on the spot.

Before losing consciousness, she saw two figures rushing toward her in a panic, but even as her eyes lost focus, no emotion stirred inside her.

When she finally woke up, she was met with Liora’s face, full of guilt. But the words that came from her mouth were in stark contrast to her expression. “Narissa, I was only trying to be kind, I didn’t mean to do it. You’re not mad at me, are you?”

Narissa remained silent, her face expressionless, while Liora smirked, dropping the pretense. “Narissa, do you see how easy it is to replace someone? This is just the beginning. I will make everyone who once loved you fall for me instead.”

Her eyes gleamed with determination. “Whether it’s Evan or Drake, they will both be mine.”

Narissa’s eyes grew empty, her gaze distant as she processed the words. She didn’t respond.

Liora’s smile deepened, laced with malice. “Do you know why Evan suddenly started treating you differently?”

Slowly, Narissa lifted her head, her gaze locking onto Liora with a sense of urgency. “Why?”

She needed to know why her brother no longer cared for her. Had she done something wrong? She would change if it meant he would still love her.

Liora, as though prepared for this moment, stirred the healing brew in her hand with a smug grin. “I had a priest of the Moon Shrine say that your fate is cursed. He said you bring misfortune to everyone around you. And he even claimed that your mother died because of you. So your brother believed him.”

Narissa’s body trembled and the numbness in her heart was replaced by a sharp, searing pain. No wonder her brother’s attitude had changed so suddenly and he kept his distance from her. It was all because he believed in those words, thinking that her mother’s death was caused by her.

Narissa tightened her fist, her eyes squeezed shut in unbearable pain.

During this time, Drake came to see her two or three times, but she remained silent. He would squat by her bed of woven furs, speaking softly, “Narissa, the healer said you’re overexerted. You mustn’t think too much. Liora was only concerned about you, which is why she took the likeness. I know you hate her because she is the daughter of your father and Wilde, but you’ll understand once you get to know her. She’s actually a very kind wolf.”

It was only when the likeness was mentioned that Narissa reacted.

Drake lowered his head and kissed Narissa’s cheek. “Narissa, Evan took the likeness to be fixed. I’ll come see you once I get back from my duties.”

Evan came to see her in the evening, holding the likeness that had been fixed. However, her mother’s face was already blurred. “Even though Liora tried her best to save the carving, it’s already too blurred.”

Narissa looked at the likeness, which no longer showed any recognizable features, and said softly, “Throw it away.”

Evan clenched the carving and looked at her with a shocked expression. “Narissa, Liora has worked so hard to save this carving.”

If it weren’t for the carving, there wouldn’t have been any trouble. But now she didn’t see the need to discuss it further because the situation had already unfolded.

However, she began to speak, her voice hoarse, “Evan, you think I caused Mom’s death, don’t you?”

The air was still and silent. Evan didn’t say anything, but she had already received her answer.

Narissa recalled how, after their mother’s death, some elders looked at her with disgust, saying, “Why did she survive the wolf attack while her mother died? I think she must have caused it.”

At that time, Evan had angrily reprimanded those who spoke ill of her, even turning against the elders over it. The seventeen-year-old him had frantically comforted her, “Don’t listen to them, it was just an accident, it’s not your fault. You’re my beloved sister and you always will be.”

Looking back now, everything felt like a dream.

At this moment, Elowen walked over, his face as dark as could be. “Nothing happened these past few moons while you were away, but the moment you return, everything turns into chaos. When will you ever be as obedient and sensible as Liora?”

As he spoke, Narissa remained silent.

Elowen looked at her with disappointment, as though she could never live up to his expectations. When he finished speaking, Narissa finally responded, “I’ll move out of here.”

Her mother had left her a territory and she no longer wanted to stay in this place.

It seemed that Evan understood what she was thinking. His expression briefly froze before he spoke, “Narissa, I’ve already asked Liora to start learning and getting hands-on experience with your lands.”

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.