Chapter 4

Camile frowned.

“She chose now of all days to disappear? It’s Wendy’s nineteenth birthday, for Moon Goddess’ sake. When is she going to grow up and stop making everything about herself?”

In her opinion, it was another one of my theatrics to ruin things for Wendy.

Terence pulled a grimace.

“She can leave for all I care! She has always had a flair for drama, giving us an attitude just to get her way. She wants us to ditch Wendy and fuss over her. Just leave her. Wendy deserves a day without her toxicity.”

“You have a point.”

Camile chimed in on that thought and turned to Matthias with an instruction.

“Notify the household that no one is to go after Sasha. She can come back once she’s ready to admit she’s wrong. I won’t go easy on any wolf helping her in secret.”

Keeping his head low, Matthias expressed compliance without a hint of compassion for me. He nodded in agreement before passing along the order.

With a decision made, the attention shifted back to Wendy, who was in the spotlight.

Camile straightened up the lace on Wendy’s dress with utmost care while Terence took her hand with a smile.

“Wendy, I bought the Moon Sailed Ship that you have been eyeing. We can all head to the coast for a sea getaway as soon as you have time.”

Wendy’s eyes sparkled, and she covered her mouth in joy. “Really, Dad?”

Like a young pup, she leaped perkily before casting her gaze down bashfully.

“It’s too much… I didn’t mean for you to take it seriously.”

Overcome by emotions, Wendy nestled in Terence’s arms and choked in sobs.

“Thank you, Dad… Thank you, Mom. You are the best.”

She lifted her chin, her eyes glistening in happiness. She turned to Allen.

“You’re coming along, right? It won’t be the same if you’re not there too, Allen.”

Allen kept a sweet smile on the surface, but deep down, there was this sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

He nodded absently and took up on her invitation. Once all eyes were back on the party, he pulled Matthias aside and asked in hushed tones, “Did Sasha say where she went? When is she coming back?”

Matthias, his eyes darting around, snuck a peek where Wendy was and murmured a reply.

“Miss Sasha left in a hurry without saying where she was going. She carried a little backpack with her. It doesn’t look like she took a lot of things with her. Besides…”

He paused before adding.

“Besides, she walked out like she didn’t care at all. I bet she’s just acting out to make the world revolve around her.”

Allen’s furrowed brows deepened.

“She must be upset with me. I should’ve gone with her to restore the bond mark,” Allen murmured under his breath, his throat tightening.

He fished out his phone and tried my number repeatedly, only to receive a cold busy tone in return.

Just then, Wendy sauntered over and tugged at his sleeve.

“Allen, stop thinking about Sasha. She’s resourceful. She will be fine. Maybe she’ll show up after we cut the cake.”

Getting on her tiptoes, Wendy spoke in a soft, pleading voice.

“I’ve been looking forward to blowing out the candles with you. You promised to be my dance partner at my party. You can’t go back on your word now.”

“But Sasha—”

Before Allen could say anything more, Wendy jumped in.

“Sasha is an adult she-wolf. She can take care of herself.”

Wendy pulled him toward the cake, her voice betraying a subtle hint of urgency.

“Everyone is waiting. The candles are going to melt into the cake if we don’t go now.”

Matthias chimed in. “Miss Wendy has a point. It’s her birthday today. You can’t let her down. You know how stubborn Miss Sasha can be. Even if you go after her, she might not be so willing to come back.”

Allen’s footsteps were heavy as Wendy dragged him along.

He looked back at the entrance while whispering silently to himself, “Just wait one more day, Sasha. I’ll head to you and bring you back.”

Unbeknownst to him, I was already on my way to the Northern Territories.

George’s wolves were already waiting for me at the crossroads. On my person, I had my herbs, essentials, and a resolve to never return.