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.