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.

After he left, she hired a lone tracker from the border packs. Watching the figures moving outside the carved stone window, she spoke in a calm tone, “Keep an eye on him.”

On the first day, she received an update about Drake’s whereabouts. He had gone to her mother’s trading hall, picked up Liora and then the two went to a mountain guest-den, not returning to the main den until late at night.

The following updates were a series of intimate and suggestive illusion-visions captured in spirit crystals. She stared silently at the stuffed pelt-creatures in the room. With a steady hand, she cleared them all out and cast them into the hearth-fire.

The next day, she learned that her brother had known all along about Drake’s affair with Liora behind her back and that he had even gone across the distant seas to buy a moonstone necklace for Liora.

She read the raven-carried message without a flicker of emotion on her face. She began to pack up everything in her mother's den and erased all traces of herself, even cutting herself out of the woven family tapestry and replacing it with Liora.

On the third day, she sold all the clothes in the three large travelling chests. When Drake and Evan walked through the door of the great hall, they froze upon seeing the packed gear.

Drake's right eyelid twitched involuntarily, a wave of frustration rising in him, as if something was slipping out of his control.

He strode toward Narissa, his eyes fixed on her with a look of unease. “Narissa, what are you doing?” His tone was tight with tension.

Evan glanced around and when he noticed many of the cloaks and robes were gifts he had personally given her, his brow furrowed in surprise. He looked at Narissa, waiting for an explanation.

Narissa felt their probing gazes on her, her heart tightening involuntarily. She maintained a calm demeanor, her expression giving nothing away. “We're about to get engaged, so I thought I'd start packing.”

The two of them relaxed, not giving it much thought. Evan casually took out a carved wooden gift box, revealing a moon-pendant inside. “This is the one I got for you from distant lands beyond the Silver Mountains.”

Narissa glanced at it for a few seconds, recognizing it as the same pendant he had given to Liora. Her tone was distant, “Thank you.”

Evan frowned at her cold response. In the past, Narissa had always been thrilled to receive gifts from him. She would always smile brightly when he brought something back.

He suddenly realized that it had been a long time since he’d seen her smile.

Drake, noticing her lack of enthusiasm, raised an eyebrow and took out a bright red engagement robe. “I know you don’t want to go out, so I thought I’d pick this one out for you.”

Narissa stared at the robe for a few moments. She had seen this robe in a painted likeness before, on Liora.

Narissa had always preferred softer, lighter colors. Only Liora would like such a bright color. Seeing she didn’t smile, Drake felt a pang of anxiety. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”

“I don’t like such bright colors. This color is something only Liora would like.”

Upon hearing this, Drake's expression froze. His face shifted between different emotions before he finally spoke, “I thought you she-wolves would like something like this. I’ll take you to pick something you like instead.”

Narissa’s smile was faint. “It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s not like I’ll need it.”

“How could you not need it...” Drake started to protest, but just then, both their message crystals vibrated with pale light. They checked their crystals, exchanged a glance and then turned to Narissa. “We have to step out for pack duty for a while.”

Not long after they left, Narissa received spirit-visions of them visiting Liora.

It was the Winter Moon Feast and her father had taken Wilde out for a pilgrimage to the high Moon Shrine, leaving the den eerily quiet. Meanwhile, at her brother’s private hill-fort, skyfire spells lit up the night sky. In the vision, Evan was gently ruffling Liora’s hair with a look of fondness.

Narissa stood alone on the stone terrace, gazing at the skyfire lighting up the heavens. She thought to herself, if they no longer loved her, then she wouldn't need them either.

On the fourth day, she sold all her clothes for moon-coins, which she sent with a caravan to orphaned pups in famine-stricken border packs. As she looked around at the empty room, Elowen returned and was taken aback. “What's going on here?”

Narissa casually replied, “We're getting engaged. I’m just tidying up in advance.”

Ironically, the household maid had sensed she was about to leave, yet her family remained unaware.