Chapter 1

Alexander didn't call back until four hours later.

His ringtone was a song sung by Evelyn in her clear voice—a sweet tone that cut like a knife.

He used just to use the default ringtone. I had once suggested he change it to a piano piece I loved.

He smiled and refused, saying he had no habit of appreciating music.

Listening to the ringtone, I suddenly felt like laughing. How many personalities did Alexander have, to treat us with such completely different attitudes?

The call dropped, and he dialed again. I still didn't answer. Alexander sent a message.

[Darling, where are you? It's dark and I'm very worried about you. We'll come pick you up right now.]

Alexander's worried message came through, as if he were deeply anxious.

Just then, a wolf's howl sounded from outside the car—the satisfied sound of a werewolf after feeding on blood.

The driver shuddered with fear.

"Ma'am, that wolf just killed someone nearby two days ago. It seems like it's struck again tonight. The whole district is on edge."

"That rogue werewolf kills indiscriminately. Hardly anyone dares to go out at night now. That's why I was truly shocked to see you around here."

Panic surged through my heart. I was about to reply to Alexander when my fingers froze above the screen.

[Evelyn is a little scared. I'll take her back to the hotel first. Send me your location, and I'll come pick you up a bit later.]

The panic in my heart turned into steel needles, stabbing so painfully I could barely breathe.

Seeing the tears welling up in my eyes, the driver became flustered.

"Don't cry, don't cry, my dear. I must have frightened you. I'll stop talking."

I took a deep breath and suddenly felt completely calm down.

"Thank you. I've figured some things out."

Not long after, Alexander sent another message.

[Why aren't you replying? Have you already fallen asleep?]

[Evelyn has caught a chill and keeps sneezing. I'm going to buy her medicine. You must take care of yourself too—don't get sick.]

[Otherwise, I'll worry about you.]

A wave of helplessness washed over my entire body. I put down my phone and fell asleep in the car.

Back at the pack territory, the driver woke me. I walked into the courtyard where Alexander and I had lived together for ten years.

We had formed our Fated Mate Bond on the sacred altar at the center. When I became his Luna, he pressed his forehead to mine and knelt before me, vowing,

"May the Moon Goddess bear witness—my heart belongs forever to my Luna."

Walking into our small courtyard, it was filled with the white roses I loved, but I noticed moonroot freshly planted in the corner.

It was specially grown for Evelyn to take care of her health.

In the past, only I had this special fondness for it, and now Evelyn has it too.

A bitter feeling welled up in my heart.

I opened my computer to check flight info when Professor Smith called,

“You accepted? This is truly wonderful news from heaven.”

Her sounded excited and very enthusiastic.

"Didn't you say your mate is extremely clingy and can't bear to be away from you for even a few minutes?"

My throat tightened. Just as I opened my mouth to reply—

The computer popped up with Evelyn's social media account. It was a newly posted photo of her and Alexander.

The two of them gazing at each other, smiling sweetly.

The caption read: [Alex never ruins the fun~]

I suppressed the bitterness in my heart and replied softly,

"I'm certain."

Alexander, in seven days, we will never see each other again.