Chapter 3

That night, after the elders arrived one by one, Andrew finally walked in—with Clara on his arm. He treated the banquet with no respect. How ignorant this werewolf was.

Her cheeks were flushed pink, and on his neck lingered a faint mark.

Anyone could see what they’d just been doing.

In my past life, I would have lost all composure—crying, raging, demanding answers.

How could the man I loved, and my own cousin, humiliate me so openly?

But this time, I only cast them a glance and turned back to chat lightly with the tribesman beside me, as if nothing had happened.

Andrew clearly hadn’t expected that. Doubt flickered in his eyes.

When I still showed no reaction, he gave me a fake smile.

“Evelyn, is this an act? Trying to play gracious because you’re afraid I’ll refuse you tomorrow?”

He moved closer, arrogance dripping from his voice.

“Still, I suppose it’s smart. I’ll be Alpha soon. A man like me could never be tied to just one woman. You’d better learn to live with that—I’ll take whoever I want to my bed.”

As he spoke, he pulled a small carved box from his cloak and held it out. But before I could reach for it, Clara snatched it with a gasp.

“Oh, Andrew, it’s beautiful! This must be a moon-spirit pendant—they’re nearly impossible to find!”

Andrew’s eyes softened at once.

“You like it? Then keep it.”

Clara gave a show of hesitation.

“But… wasn’t this meant for Evelyn? I shouldn’t—”

Andrew waved it off with a scoff.

“Don’t worry about her. Anything I toss her way is enough. She’s always satisfied with scraps.”

Snickers rippled through the hall.

Old memories I had buried rose sharp and bitter.

In my past life, I really had been that pathetic.

When he once tossed me an old handkerchief, I clung to it like a treasure. I kept it in a box decorated with jewels—until he caught me. He mocked me in front of everyone, then retold the story again and again until it spread through the entire pack.

The shame had nearly destroyed me in my past life. Everyone was talking behind me and take me as a pervert.

Now, I simply turned to leave.

Andrew blocked my way, contempt twisting his face.

“What’s this? Dropping the act already? I knew a woman like you is not even capable of pretending nice. Your evil soul just couldn’t wait to show off its weakness and dirty.”

He grabbed my wrist, hard.

“Let go, Andrew.” My voice was cold.

He sneered.

“Why pretend? We’ll be bound by blood soon enough. You’ll be in my bed. Stop acting like you’re so pure.”

I raised my chin, my tone clear and steady.

“Who said I’m swearing a blood oath with you?”

The hall froze. Silence held for a beat, then broke into mocking laughter.

“Who else could you marry? Haven’t you been chasing Andrew half your life?”

“Who else but him? Besides Andrew, the only unmarried grandson of the elder is William. He’s half-dead already, rotting from silver wounds. He might not even live another year. And if he does—everyone knows he’s useless as a man. You really want to spend your life with that?”