-7-

Everything had become impossible, and even Stephani didn't know what to do. 

Overnight, everything had changed completely; once invisible and overlooked, Stephani now seemed to be the world's target. 

Juggling a packed schedule and constantly facing camera flashes capturing her every moment turned out to be exhausting for Stephani—even though it was a dream come true. 

"So, are you happy with your achievements now, Stephani?" 

Stephani, having just returned from a photoshoot, stopped in her tracks; right there in her room sat a man, exhaling smoke. He held a cigar in his right hand, while his left swirled the wine in a crystal glass. Though the room was dimly lit—illuminated only by the full moon streaming through a gap in the uncurtained window—Stephani could clearly see the man’s hairy form, his glowing red eyes, and sharp fangs that made her swallow hard with dread. 

This wasn't an achievement; it was the price she paid for selling herself to that man—that wolf. Stephani knew he had come to collect on his due, and to flaunt the fact that he was the one who had propelled her to this level of success. 

After all, a debt of gratitude must be repaid in full, must it not? 

With trembling steps, Stephani walked forward hesitantly. She removed her high heels, set aside her bag and dress, and approached him confidently, clad only in her lingerie. 

"Have you come to collect your payment, Sir?" Stephani asked, her voice quivering. 

Though she was choked with fear—terrified that if her service failed to satisfy him, he might tear her body apart—her thirst for revenge against her father kept her undaunted; she felt absolutely no fear of death. Leonardo chuckled; he carelessly tossed aside his half-smoked cigarette, set down the glass of wine he was holding, and stood up.

Seeing Stephani standing there like that only heightened Leonardo’s interest.

“The signature—have you forgotten that I already prepared an agreement for the two of us?” Leonardo said.

Stephani swallowed hard.

That was right; the last time they had met, the man—the wolf standing before her—had demanded a clearly defined relationship.

It was a marriage of convenience—one Stephani had agreed to without a second thought, driven by the surging anger she felt toward her father at the time. 

Yet, a major question still lingered in Stephani’s mind, one she hadn't yet voiced. If she were to ask, would Leonardo answer? 

“May I ask you a question, Sir?” Stephani asked timidly. 

Leonardo fixed a dark, brooding gaze upon her; the fur covering his body began to recede, and he returned to his fully human form. 

“What is it? Ask me,” Leonardo said, nuzzling her neck hungrily. 

“Why me?” Stephani asked. 

Leonardo’s expression remained unchanged; his gaze was sharp and rather unnerving. 

“Aren't there so many other models far better than me? Am I the only virgin?” she asked next. 

“Haven't you asked about this before, Stephani?” 

Stephani fell silent for a moment. 

It was true—she had asked, yet she still harbored doubts about Leonardo’s answer. Furthermore, regarding the necklace from Leonardo’s pack that had been given to her, she felt she was completely unworthy of it. 

“There is something unique about your body that appeals to me, Stephani,” Leonardo explained, beginning to remove her undergarments before guiding her until she collapsed onto the bed. 

“Something?” Stephani asked naively. 

Leonardo nodded slowly. 

“You don't need to know what that 'something' is. Your only task is to obey me, and I will give you everything you desire. The world and everything in it is insignificant to me, Stephani, so you need not doubt me.” 

“I—“

Stephani’s words were cut short as blood welled from her thumb; Leonardo had bitten it and pressed it against the contract. 

“Now you are legally my wife in the eyes of the state, and this blood serves as an absolute signature; in my world, you have become my Luna.”

“Your ... luna? What is that?”