A low laugh echoed from within the crystal. “Finally, you’ve come to your senses.”

Aveline’s heart raced just hearing that piercing tone. The name immediately struck her mind—

Regan Lourdes.

The Alpha of Moonscar. The feared pack that roamed the entire territory, the eternal enemy of Darkvenom. The wolf who had once approached her in the darkness, staring at her as if he could pierce her soul, then offering her a choice.

‘Aveline, sooner or later you will understand that Darkvenom is a liar. Your real mother is dead. She is the elder of Moonscar, and you possess an extraordinary healing power from her bloodline. Wear this black necklace given to you by your mother, if you change your mind.’

Aveline was furious and disbelieving at the time. She thought Regan was trying to deceive her, to destroy the family she believed loved her. But despite her anger, for some reason her instinct told her to wear the necklace. And now, all the answers were revealed. The necklace had ultimately become her savior.

“Aveline, you seem hesitant—”

“No.” Aveline cut him off quickly. “I’ve thought it through. Joining Moonscar isn’t just about escaping Darkvenom. I want my life to matter by becoming a healer for other wolves, not a slave to Rose.”

There was a moment of silence. Then Regan’s voice sounded relieved. “Good. But you must remember one thing. Once you enter, there’s no way back.”

Aveline held her breath. She knew Regan was offering both a hand and a threat. But when she closed her eyes, the faces of Logan, Rose, her mother, her father flashed before her—the people she once loved, now leaving only festering wounds.

“Yes,” her voice grew cold. “Besides, I have no one left here.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll come for you—”

“Three days from now,” Aveline said firmly. “Logan’s birthday. When I’m healed and they’re certain I’ll give my marrow to Rose. Then… I’ll disappear.”

Regan’s laughter broke out, cynical yet satisfied. “A perfect plan.”

Aveline hurriedly closed the crystal as the door suddenly opened. A healer entered. His face was concerned. Without him speaking, Aveline already knew what he would say.

“I know I’ve lost my baby,” Aveline’s voice choked, pained. “But please don’t tell any wolf about this. Including Logan.”

The healer was startled, but ultimately chose to comply.

Better for Aveline to hide this. Rather than give them satisfaction over her suffering.

When the healer left, Logan immediately appeared at the door. Aveline felt the atmosphere in the room suddenly grow cold. Like her heart.

“Darling, you’ve finally come to your senses.” Logan’s face was filled with relief.

Aveline swallowed her nausea as Logan approached and embraced her gently.

“I failed to protect you. Forgive me, darling. Forgive me.” His voice trembled and his eyes red from crying.

If Aveline knew nothing, she would certainly be deeply moved. She thought she was being deeply loved by her fiancé. But now Aveline had to watch everything unfold like swallowing poison.

“Because of that kidnapper, our wedding had to be canceled.” Logan squeezed her hand, his voice filled with regret. “I know you’re upset, but I promise to you on my birthday, we’ll go through with the wedding.”

Aveline stared blankly at his shoulder. Her heart screamed, laughing bitterly and disgusted.

Her guess about Logan’s plan was correct. It was clearly a lie. He was just stalling for time until she recovered, then he’d donate his bone marrow to Rose. He was truly a liar.

Aveline’s hands clenched silently. Just as she was about to dismiss Logan under the pretext of needing rest, the door opened again. Aveline’s eyes locked on her mother, who entered with a bowl of fresh, peeled fruit.

“Eat plenty,” Emma said brusquely, her face flat and cold. She placed the bowl on the nightstand, then turned and left.

No smile. Not even bothering to ask about Aveline’s condition, or pretend to be kind.

“Mom.” Logan’s voice sounded calm, but Aveline knew it was just a warning signal for Emma not to be too harsh in front of him.

Her mother’s steps paused briefly. Only the sound of heavy breathing could be heard.

“I’m going to Rose’s room. Her condition is much worse than yours, Aveline,” she said, without turning back, then walked away.

Aveline watched her mother’s back disappear behind the door. Empty. Cold. As if her heart had died too. How foolish she had been to ever believe that love was real.

“Your mother is just tired,” Logan tried to soothe the wound with kind words as he fed her a piece of fruit. “Taking care of two sick daughters is indeed difficult.”

Aveline opened her mouth, swallowing without taste. It wasn’t the fruit that was bitter, but the reality being forced upon her.

That day, she sat in silence, watching Logan continue to pretend, as if they were a loving couple.

“Your mother asked me to watch over Rose for a while. You rest, okay?” Logan said softly.

“Yes,” Aveline replied briefly.

When Logan left her, the room felt spacious—quiet. Finally, she was alone. Aveline closed her eyes for a few minutes, trying to enjoy the silence until she almost fell asleep.

But a moment later, something hot spilled onto her stomach. Aveline opened her eyes and her breath caught in her throat. A child stood beside her, holding a bowl half-filled with werewolf protein porridge.

“I hate you, my father’s whore!” Olivia’s face contorted with anger unbecoming of her age. “Because of you, I’ve had to hide all this time. Now… just die!”

Before Aveline could dodge, she threw the rest of the porridge at her stomach.

The hot liquid spread, touching the stab wound in her stomach, causing her muscles to tense.

She curled up, enduring the pain that shook every fiber of her body. The metal stab wound, the loss of her baby, and now the hot spill—all mixed together there.

Aveline could barely breathe. But her blurry vision caught sight of the glass of water on the nightstand. With trembling but quick movements, she grabbed it and poured the water onto her stomach. The cold spread, though it wasn’t enough to ease the pain.

Before Aveline could calm down, Olivia dropped her bowl. She was injured on his finger by one of the shards. Her scream pierced the air.

“Help! My foot is bleeding!” Her face was innocent, like that of an innocent child.

Hurried footsteps approached. John, Emma, and Logan entered at the same time. John immediately picked up Olivia.

“What happened?” his voice was panicked.

Olivia cried loudly while pointing at Aveline. “I was just passing by and wanted to eat some protein porridge. But she suddenly pulled me here, she was angry and immediately spilled my porridge on her own clothes. Then she threw the bowl at me!”

Logan’s gaze was cold, piercing Aveline. John and Emma looked at her accusingly.

“You crazy kid!” Aveline forced her voice out, gasping, but her eyes blazed. “You’re the one who suddenly barged in—”

A hard slap from Emma struck her cheek. Aveline’s head jerked backward. Her vision spun.

“Since when did I teach you to hurt a child?” Emma’s voice pierced Aveline’s ears. “You should be punished! Look at Oliv, bleeding!”

Aveline felt her heart ache again after so long of being numb. Every wolf only cared about Olivia’s small wound, while Aveline’s stomach felt like it was being squeezed, burning, nearly shattered.

When John was about to slap her, Logan’s hand stopped him.

“What’s wrong, Logan? Just because she’s your fiancée, you want to defend her cruel actions?”

Logan looked at both of them, firm but calm. “I’m angry too. But I’ll talk to Aveline. You two take care of Olivia first.”

John and Emma left with curses. Now only Aveline and Logan remained in the chaotic room.

Logan approached, his face serious. “Olivia said she was just passing by, but you brought her here. Angrily.”

“If you came here just to accuse me, get out!” Aveline gasped, her stomach feeling like it was being choked from within.

Logan leaned in, gently touching the wound. But it felt crueler than a stab. “It hurts, doesn’t it? But I can only help you if you talk.”

Aveline stared into Logan’s eyes. Seeing how cruel he was. But the pain in her stomach couldn’t be ignored either.

She whispered, her voice barely audible: “Tell me quickly.”

“Answer honestly. You already know about Olivia, don’t you?” Logan narrowed his eyes sharply. “You couldn’t have gotten angry and hurt her without a reason.”

Aveline nodded without hesitation. “Yes. I know she’s your daughter and Rose’s.”

Logan’s eyes widened. But before he could see her reaction further, Aveline’s body weakened. She lost consciousness.

—

When Aveline opened her eyes, Logan was still by her side. He spoke immediately. “What if I apologize?”

Aveline didn’t respond. Her gaze was fixed straight ahead. Her heart was frozen.

Logan gripped her hand. “Aveline, I swear. There’s something you need to know.” He looked around, making sure the situation was safe.

His voice softened, but it was clear to Aveline’s ears. “Actually, without them knowing, I’ve secretly fallen in love with you. And if you hear that you’re going to be abandoned, it will never happen. I won’t put you in that position.”

Logan’s eyes darkened and demanded as Aveline remained silent.

“Please don’t leave, stay by my side. I only ask that you perform one more bone marrow transplant for Rose. After all, Rose is my first love. Then after that, I promise we’ll marry. We’ll leave together in secret. Escape from Darkvenom.”

Logan pulled her into his embrace.

Aveline laughed hollowly inside and swore it wouldn’t happen.

But when Logan asked, she only nodded her head. He was so happy and thought Aveline agreed.

“Rest, my love. After everything is better, I promise I’ll marry you. Don’t cause any trouble; I forgive you for what happened with Olivia this time.”

After that, Logan left Aveline feeling disgusted. Even though Logan truly loved her, Aveline would never return.

“Only two days left,” she said, clenching her fist tightly.

The next day passed quietly. Logan was afraid Aveline would leave, so he took care of her every day. He was truly gentle.

And this morning, the healer said she was well enough to go home. Aveline was ready to leave the healer’s room, but someone suddenly pushed open the door.

Rose.

Aveline’s breath caught. The person she now hated so much stood before her without a trace of shame.

With a sneering smile and no mask, Rose folded her arms across her chest. “Are you better now, sis?”

Aveline glared at her coldly. “Get out before I kill you.”

Rose’s laughter sounded piercing. “You’re the one who’s going to die, sis. You’ve always lost to me. No wolf has ever wanted you, except to be my bone marrow donor.”

Her words stabbed Aveline like hundreds of knives. To keep herself from lashing out, Aveline slammed into Rose’s body and pushed past her.

But as soon as she took one step away, Rose grabbed her hair. Rose sat dejectedly on the floor while her other hand poured thick red liquid onto her legs.

She pulled harder on Aveline’s hair, whispering slyly.

“I heard what you said with Logan yesterday. It turns out he has a little bit of love for you,“ her voice brimming with resentment. But it quickly turned into a sneering laugh. ”All this time, I pretended to be pregnant to stay by Logan’s side. And now I’ll pretend to miscarry. Logan will let you go because he believes... you’re the cause.”

“You’re crazy,” Aveline whispered in disbelief.

“Logan is mine forever!”

“Take him if that’s what you want!” Aveline roughly pulled Rose’s hand away from her hair.

Before Aveline could leave, a shrill scream echoed from behind.

“Aveline, what did you do to her?”

Logan stood frozen, his jaw tightening as he watched the fresh blood flowing from Rose’s leg.

“Help my baby, Aveline suddenly pushed me…” Rose’s voice trembled, weak yet full of conviction. Her acting was so perfect that it seemed as though the wound had truly come from Aveline.

Logan’s gaze shifted to Aveline. Cold, piercing, as if a sword were ready to slit her throat.

Rose quickly summoned her healer. Her body was lifted, her face contorted in pain. But Rose’s eyes briefly glanced at Aveline and painted a faint smile of victory that only Aveline saw.

“I hope nothing happens to you… and our child,” Logan grabbed Rose’s hand worriedly. “I’ll go with you—”

“No need.” Rose cut him off quickly, holding his hand against her chest. “You must watch over her. Because after doing this to me, she admitted she wants to harm all the Darkvenom wolves… even kill my parents. Aveline already knows everything.”

After that, Rose was taken away, feigning unconsciousness.

Aveline could only stand frozen. Her chest felt tight, her mouth wanting to scream that it was all a lie. But Logan’s gaze silenced all words.

She knew explaining everything wouldn’t change anything. Logan would never believe her.

“What’s wrong with you, Aveline?” Logan approached her. His large hand roughly gripped her neck, pushing her until her back collided with the wall.

“I told you not to cause trouble,” Logan’s voice was low, filled with anger. His eyes were ablaze. “But you secretly wanted to harm all the wolves!”

Aveline felt her neck throbbing with pain. She spoke with difficulty. “You could kill me, Logan!”

He snapped out of it and quickly released his grip.

Aveline coughed and gasped for air.

“You’re crazy, Aveline!” Logan roared, still furious. “Starting today, I’ll send you to a mental hospital.”

As her breathing steadied, Aveline stared at him coldly. “You don’t need to bother with that. Because I’m sane, you’re the one who’s crazy for believing Rose’s lies.”

A slap immediately struck her cheek. She didn’t have time to say more as two guards entered. They grabbed Aveline’s still-weak hands.

Logan raised his chin arrogantly. “Take her there now. Don’t let her leave until she apologizes to Rose and admits her actions.”

When they arrived at the mental hospital, Aveline glared as they led her through the ordinary rooms.

“Where are you taking me?” Aveline’s voice trembled slightly.

“Crownhard. Luna Rose ordered us to bring you here. Without Alpha Logan knowing.”

Aveline’s body tensed at the mention of it. Crownhard. It wasn’t an ordinary mental hospital. It was extreme. All the craziest wolf leaders were gathered there.

A hollow, cynical laugh escaped Aveline’s lips. “Crazy Rose, she can’t do this to me!”

But the two wolf guards didn’t listen. Her body was dragged until they reached a large room.

Aveline shook her head, her fists clenched tightly. “No. I don’t want to go in.”

They kicked her back until she was forced inside.

As soon as the iron door of Crownhard locked behind her, the stench of rot mixed with blood immediately assaulted Aveline’s senses.

The sounds of howls, screams, and the clanging of chains filled the dark room.

The guards pushed her until she fell to the damp floor. The cold iron pressed against her skin, making her stomach wound ache again.

“Welcome to hell,” one of the guards chuckled, then closed the door tightly.

Aveline hadn’t even had time to get up when two mad wolves dragged her body. Her hands were bound with rusty chains, her legs kicked until her knees bled. Another wolf poured boiling water onto the ground, causing the hot steam to burn her open wounds.

“This is the welcome for the new wolf!” they said cheerfully.

Aveline’s screams echoed. Her body trembled, but no one came to help. The more she struggled, the more the chains pressed into her wrists, peeling the skin off.

“Scream again! Everyone here will get used to your screams!” one of them scratched her cheek, leaving a painful red wound.

Hours felt like years. The wound on her stomach throbbed. Her head spun from the stress of everything happening. But her eyes refused to close. In her heart, there was only one word: escape.

That night, when the guard was distracted and the other wolves slept soundly, Aveline managed to break free from the chains. She destroyed the rusty iron nails binding her. With her body covered in wounds, she dragged herself through the damp corridor, piercing the darkness, until she managed to escape through a small gap behind the building.

The night air pierced her lungs. Her body trembled, but she laughed bitterly. She had succeeded.

Aveline was confused about how to escape from this mental hospital. Everything was tightly guarded. Then Aveline’s eyes accidentally caught sight of a familiar back. Someone was using a communication device with their back turned to her.

“Caleb…” she whispered, almost crying.

Like a ray of hope, she approached. Her first love. Even though he had betrayed her, at least Caleb didn’t want to see her die here. The last time, Caleb had said he wanted Aveline to come back.

But just three steps away, she heard another voice. Soft. Poisonous.

Rose.

Aveline held her breath.

“Caleb, thank you for helping me. You’ve brought Aveline to know everything from the start.”

Caleb spoke softly. “Yes, but why did you bring her to Crownhard? I think you’re overdoing it. You said keeping Logan by your side was enough.”

“Wow, I didn’t know you cared so much about her. Have you started falling in love?” Rose’s voice was full of mockery.

“Rose? Don’t joke around. You know I went out of my way to bring Aveline to your daughter’s birthday party back then, just to make you happy. Isn’t that enough?”

“It’s not enough. Because I can feel you’ve started to love her now. You even went to the mental hospital to pick up Aveline, didn’t you?”

Aveline froze. Her breath caught in her throat. It turned out that Caleb had come to see her after years of being gone just to expose Darkvenom’s betrayal, on Rose’s orders to make her suffer even more.

Without wanting to hear any more, she spoke painfully, “Caleb.”