Chapter 2

I froze.

The healer’s words hit me like a sledgehammer to the skull.

Aden was stunned, too.

Then, a bright, joyful smile spread across his face. He muttered under his breath, “This is perfect… Everything can go back to the way it was!”

I lowered my eyes and pretended I didn’t hear him.

Of course, I knew exactly what he meant. However, I no longer hoped he'd reclaim his identity or come back to me.

The healer interrupted his celebration.

“Ivy’s wolf is on the weaker side. That’s why the pup isn’t stable and she’s experiencing bleeding and anemia. We suggest treating her with bloodroot. The problem is, it’s extremely rare…”

“I don’t care how much it costs!” Aden said immediately. “I’ll buy it.”

“It’s not about money. Bloodroot only grows in Southland. Even in ten years, you might not find a single one.”

Suddenly, Aden remembered something and turned toward me.

My parents were renowned herbalists, specializing in the herbs of Southland.

Before they passed, they left me two stalks of bloodroot and warned me never to tell anyone except Marco.

Before Aden left for war, I had wrapped one stalk with the obsidian pendant, asking only for his safe return.

Aden looked at me, eyes wavering.

“Emily, I’ve been dreaming about this child for so long. Would you be willing to give Ivy the last stalk? Once the baby’s born, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

Make it up to me?

What’s that supposed to mean? Return to me like some sort of savior?

“I’ll give it to you. I don’t need your compensation, though,” I said calmly.

I didn’t even acknowledge the guilty expression on his face.

My parents had told me bloodroot could instantly heal wounds, even save lives in emergencies.

Aden knew it was a treasure they left behind for me.

He had cried when he found the herb in his pack before going to war. Then he held me tight and promised he would never betray me.

Now, the promise was broken.

That same herb would flow into another werewolf’s body to nourish their pup.

I decided to consider it the price of everything he’d once given me—a final repayment of his love and protection.

Maybe it’ll make it easier for me to leave one week from now.

Aden was absolutely overjoyed about Ivy’s pregnancy.

After bringing her back from the healer’s, he started planning a celebration party, inviting every member of the Moon Forest Pack.

As he handed out the invitations, his usually cold, sharp eyes were glowing. He couldn’t stop smiling, showing everyone how thrilled he was to become a father.

However, when he reached me, that smile froze.

He hesitated with the invitation in hand, unsure if he should offer it.

“Emily…

“The party’s in a week.”

I took the card from him and glanced at the time and date printed on it, then smiled faintly.

“Congratulations. I hope you, Ivy, and your pup have a beautiful life together.”

Aden blinked at me, stunned. He frowned, clearly thrown off by how calm I was.

It was true that I hadn’t smiled like this since “he” died, nor had I been this composed.

Ivy appeared beside him and slipped her hand through his arm, beaming.

“James, inviting Emily to the party isn’t enough. She saved our child. We should treat her to dinner!”

The two of them looked so close and sweet, standing there arm in arm.

Aden glanced away but nodded.

I tried turning them down several times. Eventually, I ended up going with them to the restaurant Aden and I used to love.

As soon as we walked in, the owner recognized us and came over with a big grin.

“Hey, Emily! Out for dinner with Aden again?”

Aden’s body went rigid, and Ivy’s face immediately darkened. She tightened her grip on his hand like she was making a point.

The owner looked between the three of us, eyes darting to Ivy and Aden’s joined hands, trying to figure out our relationship.

Aden cleared his throat. His voice lowered as he glanced at me, trying to explain himself.

“You’ve got the wrong person. I’m not her mate, Aden. I’m James. Emily is my…”

“Sister-in-law,” I cut in smoothly, smiling at the owner. “I’m their sister-in-law.”

I didn’t even bother looking at Aden’s stunned face.