Chapter 1

Moonlight shone against Shadow Pack's territory like scattered silver.

I was carrying the herbs I had just gathered. My fingertips were covered in bloody cuts from thorns.

For three days, I had searched every cliff and ridge across the northern territory before finally piecing together this formula to calm a raging wolf spirit.

The door to the werewolf council hall was slightly ajar. Voices drifted out.

"Noel, you really do treat her differently," a shewolf said. "I heard she was almost torn apart by a rogue when she was little. You were the one who saved her, weren't you?"

That was Nancy Lindt, the daughter of a Shadow Pack elder. She was Noel Leighton's future Luna.

"I'm only keeping her around for fun," Noel replied casually.

My grip tightened around the herb stems.

"For fun?" Nancy chuckled. "But she seems to take it seriously. I heard she's been searching for herbs for you without sleeping for three entire days. Humans are interesting. Show them a little kindness, and they'll be grateful for a lifetime."

"She knows her place." There was a trace of mockery in Noel's voice.

"Leah isn't like other shewolves trying to climb into my bed. She knows where she stands. During the contract period, she'll do her job and behave. Once it ends, she'll leave. We won't owe each other a thing."

Nancy laughed joyfully.

"So when you saved her back then, it was just so you'd have a free caretaker?"

"What else?" Noel's tone turned cold. "A werewolf raising a human girl. I feel embarrassed just saying it. If she weren't useful–"

I didn't listen any further.

I gently set the herbs by the door and turned around. I stepped back into the moonlight.

The open wounds on my palm were still bleeding, but I felt nothing.

So all those nights I stayed by his side and all the times I kept watch while his wolf spirit raged meant nothing to Noel. I was merely useful to him.

"Leah."

Noel's voice suddenly came from behind me.

I turned around. He had come out at some point. The moonlight carved sharp lines along his harsh features.

Nancy stood just inside the doorway. She watched us with a knowing smile.

"Why did you leave the herbs at the door? Bring them in."

I lowered my gaze and walked back obediently. I bent down to pick up the herbs.

When I stood upright, Noel noticed the wounds on my palm. Some parts had already scabbed, while others still bled.

His brows twitched a little.

"You ended up like this in just three days?" He asked calmly. "Go inside. Let Nancy bandage it."

"It's fine." I handed him the herbs. I was surprised by how calm my voice sounded. "I can take care of the wounds myself. If there aren't any other orders, I'll go back and rest."

Noel accepted the herbs but suddenly grabbed my wrist. He opened my injured palm under the moonlight.

Nancy walked over in her heels, glanced at my hand, and covered her mouth while chuckling.

"Oh my, it's this bad? Noel, Leah works herself to the bone for you, and you're just going to stand there and watch?"

Noel ignored her and stared into my eyes. "Does it hurt?"

I looked up at him before gently pulling away. "It doesn't. Don't worry, Noel. It won't affect my ability to fulfill the contract."

Noel's frown deepened.

He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he only looked deeply at me.

Nancy stepped forward and slipped her arm through his.

"Since Leah says she's fine, don't worry about it. By the way, our marking ceremony is next week. You promised to help me pick out a dress."

I lowered my head, quietly took two steps back, and turned around to leave.

Back in my small room, I rinsed the wounds on my palm with cold water.

The clear water in the basin turned light red, and I replaced it with fresh water again and again.

I didn't know how much time had passed when there was a knock on my door.

It was Noel. His expression was cold.

"Take this." He set a medical kit on the sill. "You're still in charge of setting up the marking ceremony. Don't ruin it because you hurt your hand."

I looked at the medical kit and nodded. "Thank you, Noel."

"And one more thing." Noel turned around and suddenly stopped. "What I said earlier–"

"I heard it." I cut him off calmly. "Don't worry. I've always known my place. There are only three days left on the contract. I'll fulfill it properly."

Noel froze for a moment.

He stared at me in silence for a long while. He then turned around and walked away without looking back. "I'm glad you're aware."

I closed the door and placed the medical kit on the table, but I didn't open it.

Leaning against the door, I slowly slid down to the floor. I pressed my injured palm against my chest.

There were only three days left until my contract with them expired.

What Noel didn't know was that I would forget everything that had happened over the past few years and return to the human world.