Chapter 2

The next morning, I rose early and went to the Moonlight Valley behind the tribe.

It had always been my secret place. Flowers and herbs filled the valley, many of them planted by my own hand. In my past life, I had filled it with Andrew’s favorites, thinking only of pleasing him.

But my choice had changed. My future belonged elsewhere. For days, I worked to reshape the valley, filling it with flowers William loved—pale moon blossoms, soft lilac datura swaying gently in the wind.

This time, I wanted to do something for the one who had actually cared for me.

I was on my way to the stream to fetch water when I overheard whispers. People were saying Clara had been picking flowers in the valley. My chest tightened. I rushed back.

What I found made my heart sink. The valley was in ruins—stems broken, petals scattered. Andrew stood there, tucking a moon blossom into Clara’s hair.

Rage shook me.

“This is my valley! How dare you come here and destroy it?”

Clara’s eyes filled instantly with tears.

“Evelyn… did I do something wrong? The flowers were so beautiful. I only wanted to pick some for the Elder. I never meant harm.”

Andrew pulled her behind him at once, sneering at me.

“Evelyn, weren’t these flowers planted for me? If they’re mine, then I decide who can have them. Stop making a scene.”

I stared at him, cold disbelief in my voice.

“Who told you these were for you? I planted them for my future husband.”

He froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.

“Future husband? Who else could that be but me? Evelyn, stop pretending.”

I looked down at the wrecked blossoms, bitterness rising in my chest. Just then, tribesmen carried in armfuls of golden sun-grass—Clara’s favorite.

The air filled with pollen. My throat tightened, my skin flushed red. Andrew knew I was allergic, yet he barked more orders, arranging the flowers while Clara’s smile lit his eyes.

Coughs wracked me. I could barely breathe. Then Clara lifted her hand, showing a tiny cut from a moon blossom thorn. Her voice trembled.

“Andrew… I hurt my finger.”

His face twisted with concern. In one swift move, he swept her into his arms.

“Evelyn, why did you plant something harmful here! If Clara falls ill from this, I’ll never forgive you!”

I reached out instinctively, but he shoved my hand aside and stormed off with Clara in his arms.

My vision blurred, spots of light dancing before my eyes. My legs buckled, but I clawed at the earth, dragging myself forward through the wreckage of my own flowers.

The truth hit me hard like a hammer, that Andrew was not just ignore me, he would let me die to take care of Clara.

Petals clung to my hair, my palms bled where thorns had torn them, yet I kept crawling, inch by inch, desperate for air.

I was searching my cure Moonlight Mint throught Each the dirt. Cough wracked my ribs until I thought they might crack.

The valley that once felt like my sanctuary had become a prison, its beauty suffocating me.

Finally, before I fainted alone, I found the beautiful, glowing cure.

I was trembling so violently I could hardly lift my hand. But I put the cure into my mouth sucessfully.

I saved myself. After I could breath again, I forced myself to wash away the pollen and dirt, straightened my clothes, and calmed my breathing. Tonight was the family banquet at the Elder’s house—the first time I would appear as the tribe’s future luna. I needed to make an impression.

As I passed the carriage yard, I noticed one cart rocking gently.

I drew closer. Through the half-open window I saw Andrew holding Clara, her face flushed, her body pressed to his.

A sharp pain cut through me. I had sworn to let go, yet the sight still stabbed deep.

Andrew’s gaze met mine for a heartbeat. Panic flickered, then he turned and kissed Clara fiercely, his movements exaggerated, daring me to watch.

I lowered my eyes and walked on, climbing into my own carriage. On the way, I took out the gift I had prepared for the banquet—a necklace woven from moon-beast hide.

When we arrived, Andrew stepped out of his carriage at the same time. Wolf pelts and disheveled traces lay scattered on the seat behind him.

I clutched the necklace in my hand. Andrew’s eyes fell on it, and for a moment his face faltered—then curved into smugness.

“You brought me a gift? Let me see it.”

I hid it behind my back.

“It’s not for you.”

He laughed, a short, cold laugh.

“You saw what happened in the carriage? I told you before—the wedding may be held with you, but my soulmate is Clara. She’ll be in our den often. You’d better learn to live with it.”

The words should have broken me. Instead, my resolve sharpened.

He leaned closer, his tone icy.

“Tonight, if the elders ask, you’ll say we’ve already made the blood oath. And about Clara’s injury this afternoon—you’ll apologize after the banquet. Otherwise, I’ll call the wedding off.”

He brushed past me, striding into the Elder’s house.

I exhaled slowly at the door. It didn’t matter. Very soon, he would learn the truth.

He was not the one I planned to marry.