Chapter 2

I didn’t agree to him right away.

I asked his name, and he said it was Seville.

I told him to give me three days, and I’d give him an answer.

As I walked out of the shelter, my steps felt lighter than ever before.

The weight that had been pressing on my heart for over a year seemed to lift in that very moment.

I stopped worrying about whether Nolan would be angry, or whether he’d used my gold coins to curry favor with Sofia again. My mind was filled entirely with Sevir’s golden eyes, brimming with devotion.

When I got home, I didn’t do what I usually did: rush to Nolan to apologize, to comfort him, or to ask if he was hungry.

I walked straight into the study and emptied out all the savings I’d been hiding in the earthenware jar.

I wanted to prepare the best bed for Sevir, the best cooling water pad, the freshest venison—the very best of everything.

He’s so good; he deserves it all.

As I counted the gold coins, I noticed the jar had emptied considerably again.

I didn’t even have to think to know it was Nolan who’d taken them.

In the past, I would have been upset, felt wronged, and couldn’t have helped but confront him.

But now, I just smiled indifferently.

It’s fine. I’ll just consider it compensation for the year he’s spent by my side.

After all, I’ll be sending him away soon.

I took out paper and pen and eagerly began making a list—all items to prepare for Seville.

An extra-large wolf den, a custom cooling water mat, fresh venison every day, soft pads that won’t hurt his paws…

“Hey, I’m hungry.”

A sulky, haughty voice came from the doorway. I looked up to see Nolan standing at the study door; through the crack, his pinkish-purple eyes were staring coldly at me.

In the past, I would have immediately put down what I was holding and rushed to prepare food for him, trying to appease him.

But today, I simply lowered my head and continued writing the list, replying without looking up, “I bought you some venison this morning. It’s in the kitchen.”

Nolan clearly hadn’t expected this reaction from me.

He froze for a moment, then swished his tail in displeasure, slapping it against the floor with a heavy thud.

He charged toward me in a few strides, pressed his nose against me, and sniffed hard. Instantly, his pupils contracted, his tail stood straight up, and the fur all over his body bristled.

“ “Why do you smell like a high-ranking werewolf? Did you go see another wolf?”

Before I could even speak, he dismissed his own suspicion, his face once again taking on that familiar, contemptuous expression.

“No way. You’re just a crippled elf—what high-ranking werewolf would even look at you?”

He reached out and snatched the shopping list from my hand, glancing at the contents. His pink-purple eyes lit up instantly.

That flicker of excitement lasted only a second before he forced it down. He snorted, lifted his chin, and adopted an air of “I knew you couldn’t live without me.”

“I knew you couldn’t keep your cool. You’d run off crying, then sneak around to prepare a surprise apology for me.”

He shook his head smugly. “Good for you for playing along. I actually thought you’d dare to stay mad at me.”

Watching him act so self-important, I was momentarily at a loss for words.

He didn’t give me a chance to defend myself. He held out his hand and declared with righteous conviction, “In that case, give me two more gold coins.”

I didn’t ask what he needed the coins for; I simply reached into the jar, grabbed two, and handed them to him.

He’d probably just use them to buy a gift for Sofia.

In the past, I could never resist asking, but all it ever brought me was a barrage of mockery and a dull ache in my heart.

Now, I no longer care.

Nolan took the gold coins, then froze, looking at me suspiciously. “Aren’t you going to ask what I’m going to do with them?”

I ignored him and lowered my head to continue writing my list.

He stood there, his expression shifting back and forth. Finally, he stamped his foot, muttered, “This is ridiculous,” slammed the door shut, and stormed off.

I looked at the closed door and smiled softly.

He’ll never know that this list was never meant for him.

In three days, I’ll send him away, and in my home, there will only be Seville, the werewolf.