Thea sensed my unease. "Mom, it looks like Dad has something to discuss with that lady. Let's just go home for now, okay? We can come back for the alchemy station another day."

Her voice trailed off, unable to hide the disappointment on her small face. But I was too numb to notice, just leading her away in a daze.

Back home, I found a territory document Kian had left behind carelessly. On it, I saw his Alpha's seal.

"Stone River, Vaughn Pack."

Even in our remote settlement, I had heard of that pack. They were the rulers of this land. Only the most powerful Alpha could lead them.

Kian had kept us completely in the dark. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking as he watched us set up our stall at the market from dawn till dusk, day after day, rain or shine.

Did he pity us? Or was he laughing at us for trying to punch above our weight? The thought made me laugh at my own foolishness. Then I contacted someone who could sever the mate bond.

I don't know how much time passed before I heard footsteps outside. Kian was back.

Thea ran to the door to greet him, as enthusiastic as ever, but Kian didn't even hug her.

Usually, Thea was used to her father's coldness. But today, she clung to the corner of his shirt and wouldn't let go.

"Dad, can you buy me an alchemy station? My classmate's teacher taught her a calming potion, and I learned it just by listening. I want to brew it for you."

"Of course. When the pack's finances improve, I'll buy you one," Kian deflected, same as always.

"When will that be?"

Thea was unusually persistent, demanding an answer. Kian hesitated before finally making a promise.

Thea hugged my legs, squealing with excitement. "Mom, I'm going to have an alchemy station! I'm going to brew lots and lots of potions for you and Dad!"

I was happy for her too, eager to see her talent bloom. But a day passed, then two, then a whole week. The alchemy station Kian had promised never appeared.

One morning, I found Thea hiding under her covers, using her budding magic to make glowing moss grow for fun. Kian saw it but didn't react.

Instead, his eyes lit up when he saw me. "Perfect. Brew these Bloodmoon Herbs into a tonic for me and put it in this flask. I need it for something."

Bloodmoon Herb. He was preparing it for Rowan Croft.

Restoring ancient texts had taken its toll, the magic eroding my own health and leaving me constantly unwell. He’d seen it but never showed a flicker of concern.

His words were the final straw. Something inside me snapped. Rage shot through me, and the box of herbs in my hand went flying toward his face.

By the time I realized what I'd done, tears were streaming down my face. He was the one who'd been hit, but I was the one crying harder.

His wolf surged with fury at being struck, but the sight of my tears instantly extinguished its rage.

"If you don't want to do it, then don't. Is there a need to throw such a tantrum?"

"What about the alchemy station you promised Thea?"

Kian looked like he’d completely forgotten. A flash of embarrassment crossed his face, quickly masked by impatience. "I'll buy it. Do you have to hound me like a debt collector?"

"I'll buy it." He’d said that a thousand times over five years. His promises were stones dropped into a bottomless well, swallowed by silence without a single ripple.

I stormed into Thea's room and pulled her out from under the covers.

"I'm going to sever our bond with your father. After the ritual, we'll go live in the human world. What do you say?"

The human world was a distant concept for Thea, but it was our only real option. The Vaughn pack's influence was too far-reaching here. Only in the human world could Thea's talent truly flourish.

My entire life savings were just enough for the bond-severing ritual and a one-way portal fee.

Seeing my swollen, red-rimmed eyes, Thea threw her arms around me and whispered, "Mom, can we give Dad one more chance? If he still doesn't remember by my 'First Potion' showcase, then we'll leave."

"Alright."

But it was the last chance we would give him.

The next morning, Thea and I went to our stall as usual. I had a degree in ancient text restoration from a prestigious university, but after having a child, I’d been out of the field for so long that no institution would hire me.

With no other choice, I took Thea to the public market area. I sold my enchanted bookmarks, and she would sit beside me, arranging colorful stones into little alchemical arrays to draw in customers.

Thea’s sweet, quiet nature drew people in. Many werewolves would stop at our little stall, charmed by the sight of her.

"Excuse me, how much are these bookmarks?"

"Three silver coins for one, five for two."

I looked up to see the customer was Rowan.

"I'll take two, then. Quickly, before Kian sees."

She glanced around conspiratorially, pressing a gold coin into my hand and stuffing the bookmarks into her pocket as if they were contraband.

Just then, a large hand shot out and clamped around her wrist.

"Rowan, I've told you a hundred times. You can't touch ancient artifacts with unknown curses. Your power core is unstable as it is."

"We're not buying these."

The moment our eyes met, Kian's expression darkened. Rowan, however, seemed completely oblivious.

"Oh, Kian. Look how adorable her little girl is. Let's just buy two. It's a way to support her."

In that moment, the pity in Rowan’s eyes was a blade twisting in my heart.

"Ah!" I cried out. My concentration slipped, and my hand was sliced by the residual defensive magic on an ancient book. Blood instantly welled up.

Seeing me bleed, Kian frowned and took an instinctive step toward me.

"Kian! I feel so dizzy!"

The next second, Rowan cried out, clutching her forehead as if overwhelmed by the book's cursed aura. At her cry, Kian immediately turned and gathered Rowan into his arms.

Rowan rested her head on Kian's shoulder and gave me a triumphant little smirk over it.

So, she knew. She’d known who I was the entire time.