Chapter 3

I prayed silently that Stanley would open our mind link.

If he did, he would understand that taking the beast-blood salve would only accelerate the spread of the wolfsbane poison in my body.

But instead, I watched the last trace of patience vanish from his eyes. Even his voice was filled with anger. "Wendy, that's enough.

"Mila was kind enough to give you her precious beast-blood salve, and you still think she's trying to hurt you?

"Don't make me regret choosing you as my mate."

His words pierced my heart like countless blades, stabbing me again and again.

Yet all I could do was stare into his eyes and shake my head through my tears.

Bryan ran over and snatched the jar of salve from Stanley's hand. "She doesn't know what's good for her. Fine, then she won't get it.

"Let's go. Leave her here. Let's see who she'll perform for when she's all alone."

When Mila saw this happen, she hurried over to Bryan with tears still glistening in her eyes. "Bryan, don't say things you don't mean. Wendy is just upset right now. I don't mind."

Watching her convincing performance, I felt nothing anymore.

Three months ago, when I was the last person to give her a present, she had said in front of everyone, "It's okay. I don't mind. I guess I'm just the kind of person everyone thinks of last."

A month ago, when I disagreed with one of her opinions, she said, "Of course. You've seen so much more of the world than I have. I'm only qualified to listen."

Last week, when I kindly reminded her about proper etiquette for banquets, she had immediately locked herself in her room. "It's fine. You should all go without me. I shouldn't embarrass Wendy by showing up."

Every single time, it had ended with everyone blaming me.

Sure enough, Mom walked over with a frown. "Mila, stop defending Wendy. She's always picking on you. This time, she really does need to be taught a lesson."

Bryan patted Mila on the head and nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Let's go. Leave her here to reflect on her poor behavior."

Stanley looked conflicted. His Adam's apple bobbed twice as he swallowed. "M-Maybe you should all go ahead. I–"

Mila interrupted him by speaking timidly. "Stanley, you're the only one who's ever climbed the snowcaps. With this kind of blizzard, what if we get lost–"

She left the rest unsaid before taking the jar of beast-blood salve from Bryan. "If you're really that worried, just make Wendy take the salve. She'll be fine staying at the foot of the mountain."

Stanley glanced at the salve Mila held out. He then looked into Mila's pleading eyes. The last trace of hesitation in his heart disappeared.

My consciousness was fading fast. I could barely feel my own body, and I no longer had the strength to resist.

I could only let him grip my chin, pry open my lips, and slowly pour the medicine into my mouth.

His movements were gentle, but his voice was full of exasperation. "You should feel better now. Don't forget to climb the snowcaps and apologize to Mila.

"Be good. As soon as you earn Mila's forgiveness, I'll take you to the hot springs."

Bryan bent down and picked up my climbing gear and trekking poles. "If you're going to apologize, you need to show some sincerity. Climb up there without any climbing gear."

Mom adjusted Mila's scarf without even sparing me a glance. "That's right. Let's use this opportunity to correct all her bad habits. Otherwise, if she ever becomes Luna, people will laugh at her."

I felt an immense force surge through my body. It was followed by an agonizing pain that felt like I was being torn apart. My fingernails dug deep into my palms.

It felt like I was going to die, but I couldn't bear the thought of dying like this.

With the last of my strength, I reached out and tried to grab Stanley, but he simply stood up, walked over to Mila, took her hand, and led her toward the snowcaps.