Chapter 2

On the other end of the line, George’s husky voice came on.

“You’ve come around at last, Sasha. As I’ve told you, you are born to be a healer.”

My voice was calm as I replied, “I’ll report to the research team in three days, with all my luggage.”

On the day I was captured by the rogue werewolves, I happened to run into George’s team on their way back from the Northern Territories.

They pulled me to safety. However, their healer was killed in the turmoil, so no one could tend to my severe wounds.

Through sheer willpower, I gathered herbs and treated my own injuries.

Since Wendy’s silver poisoning, I had been studying the art of herbalism and medicine in secret.

Despite Wendy’s lies and accusations, her wolf loss plunged me into the depths of remorse.

If I could identify herbs back then, her wolf might still be with her.

The incident burrowed deep within me, haunting me.

All my knowledge had not been put to practical use until George’s team arrived.

I mended the old injuries among the team and kept them safe from a few dangerous poisons.

Impressed by my expertise, George extended an invitation to join his team.

“If nothing holds you back, be part of our team. You will be well-compensated, and your gift will have room to grow.

Yet, my family—the very werewolves who abandoned me—occupied my heart and mind.

By leaving with the research team, I feared that they would be anxious for my safety.

Before my body had time to heal, I dragged myself home.

However, the illusion of a happy family was all in my head.

No one missed me when I was gone as they were too busy fussing over the wolfless Wendy.

There was no reason to hesitate. I should’ve joined George’s expedition a long time ago.

First thing in the morning, Camile showed up with a bunch of gifts.

However, I could tell these so-called gifts were Wendy’s discards.

Camile put down the items and reproached me with the sweetest voice, “It’s rude of you to walk out last night. Do you know how upset your father—”

Her criticism came to a screeching halt when I pulled the curtains back.

With the blinding sunlight falling on my scarred body, Camile looked at me in disbelief, the realization hitting her of what I had been through.

“You’re badly hurt, Sasha. Why didn’t you say something?”

She reached out to feel my scars, her fingers trembling, but I pulled away.

A loud clatter echoed across the room as Allen, standing at the door, dropped the bowl in his hands.

His eyes reflected shock and heartache.

“I’m sorry, Sasha. I had no idea about the extent of your injuries!”

He spread his arms apart to hold me, but I stepped back and stared at them indifferently.

Just yesterday, I stood before them, covered in cuts and bruises. Yet, all they could think about was Wendy. No one paid any attention to me.

My icy gaze must’ve unnerved them. Allen, in particular, grabbed my hand in a fluster as if something was spiraling out of control.

His eyes caught the absence of the bond mark on my wrist.

“Sasha, where is your mark?”

“It disappeared when I was injured.”

I spoke in a flat tone as if I were talking about the weather.

“It’s okay. We can go to the healer to restore the bond,” he uttered in assurance, barely hiding the disappointment in his eyes.

I stayed silent. The truth was, I didn’t see the need to.

The bond mark, triggered by our vows to the Moon Goddess, was proof of our love.

Back when my family pinned the crime on me, Allen stood by my side, protecting me from all the whispers.

Somewhere along the line, his loyalty shifted to Wendy.

He told me that it was bad enough that Wendy lost her wolf, but the academy she’d worked so hard for dropped her admission. Since she’d lost everything, he expected me to show her more sympathy.

When my injuries removed the bond mark from my wrist, I made a conscious decision not to restore it.

I didn’t need Allen anymore.