Chapter 3

Just then, my phone buzzed again. It was a message from Bella, with a photo attached.

In a jewelry store glittering with pearls and gems, a beautiful moonstone necklace was being held by a large, elegant hand. I recognized it immediately as Apollo's hand.

Her message carried the same smug tone she always had. "Apollo bought me so many expensive gems, and this necklace is just a gift. He said it's for you—a little way of showing his sincerity. Don't be upset, okay?"

For three years, Bella would constantly remind me how much Apollo favored her over me. Every kind gesture he showed me was apparently just leftovers she didn't care for.

I no longer felt anger or the urge to confront him. This time, I quietly blocked her. If I didn't need him anymore, why would I care about her provocations?

Once everything was settled, I walked into the Alpha's territory. The elderly Alpha leaned on his cane, his eyes soft with kindness.

"Nora, the Moonshadow Herb Alchemy Research will take a long time. You will leave the pack to go to The Spine of the World. Can you truly part with everything here?"

His face carried a tinge of sorrow. "You must understand, The Spine of the World is on the distant Faron Continent. The environment there is harsh. You won't be able to contact the outside world. You might never even return."

I looked at the ring in my palm, a slight ache pressing on my chest, but it didn't stop me from following my heart. "Yes, I understand everything, Alpha."

The Alpha paused briefly, then let out a soft sigh. "Alright. Since you've made your decision, I shall arrange for a patrol to escort you. They'll take you to the border of the continent. From there, the rest of the journey is up to you.

"The patrol leaves tomorrow… You should bid a proper farewell to Apollo."

Tomorrow? It just happened to be the day of our mating ceremony.

Since I had decided to leave, I thought I would say goodbye properly. I returned to the villa and waited quietly for Apollo to return. The sun set, and then the sky darkened.

It wasn't until midnight that he finally arrived home, moving quickly, his presence cold. I stepped forward to greet him, ready to speak, but my gaze froze on the wedding gown in his hands.

The once-pristine white fabric was covered in dark, muddy footprints. The sleeves and hem had been violently torn in several places.

Apollo shifted uncomfortably, trying to hide the gown behind him. "Bella didn't mean to… The hem was too long, and she tripped many times. Her hands got cut in the end."

He paused, looking exhausted but gazing carefully at me. "It's the ceremony tomorrow—I know. I promise I'll get you a new one by tomorrow. Please… Don't get mad at me."

I knew he was worried I would start a fight with him. All I could manage at that moment was look down and say softly, "It's okay. I'll wear something else."

Apollo was shocked. "You're not… mad?"

He let out a huge sigh of relief. "Don't worry, Nora. I'll find an even more expensive wedding gown for you. Tomorrow, at the ceremony, I promise you'll be the most dazzling bride."

With that, he rushed out the door, unwilling to pause for even a quarter of a second. "I'll find a new gown right now! Meet you at the altar tomorrow!"

He didn't even give me a chance to say goodbye.

It didn't matter anymore. I grabbed my suitcase and left without a shred of attachment.

The next day, Apollo arrived at the altar carrying the new wedding gown, only to see Bella there.

"Why are you here?" he asked, hardly realizing the slight irritation creeping into his voice.

Bella pouted, feigning innocence. "Well, you know how I ruined Nora's dress. I'm here to apologize to her."

She slowly circled the altar, deliberately sowing discord. "Why isn't she here yet? She's probably still mad and waiting for you to soothe her. If it were me, I'd never fail to show up on such an important day."

Apollo was about to speak when the Alpha's firm, powerful voice echoed in his mind.

"Our pack's healer, Nora Storm, will leave to travel to The Spine of the World for the Moonshadow Herb Alchemy Research. Let us all bless her and her bravery!"