At the beginning, I forgot to tell you all that some of us Bloodmoon wolves are born with gifts.

They are not powers, no fire-breathing or lightning-calling—but gifts. Subtle things granted by

the Goddess herself. Some could sense lies, some could heal faster than others, and a rare few

had insight into destinies yet untold. It was both a blessing and a burden.

Adrian had always wondered about another mystery, though. Why were some female wolves

cursed?

He tried to find answers in the only way he knew, casual, playful questions dropped into

conversations with older wolves, and market women. But no matter how he framed it, their

answers were the same, no one really didn't know why.

That silence weighed on him.

When Adrian returned home that evening, his face was tight with worry. His father caught sight

of him in the corridor and frowned.

“What’s wrong, son?” Roderick asked.

But Adrian only stared, jaw clenched, then brushed past him without a word.

Dora noticed immediately. She was always quick to pick up on her brother’s moods. She

followed him into his room, her voice sharp but laced with concern.

“Adrian, what’s going on?“

He ignored her, unbuttoning his shirt with jerky motions.

“Adrian,

” she pressed, stepping closer.

think I won’t notice—

”

“You can’t just walk around brooding like a ghost and

Finally, he snapped. His voice thundered across the room.

“No one has a reason, Dora! No one knows why some female wolves are cursed! I’m clueless,

Dora, I need answers!”

Dora said angrily,

“Then stop yelling at me and go to the one person who might give you the

truth. Ask Fenris. He’s the one who claimed Luna was cursed in the first place. If you really want

answers, go to him.

”

Before Adrian could reply, the door creaked open and Luna stepped in.

“What’s going on?” she asked softly.

Dora, ever the peacemaker when things got tense, raised her hands.

I’m in my room if you want to talk, or chill.

” With that, she left them alone.

“You know what to do, bro.

Luna’s gaze lingered on Adrian.

“Is everything okay?”

Adrian didn’t meet her eyes.

“Are you staying in the guest room… or should I?”

Her expression twisted with hurt.

“It’s about Selena again, isn’t it? She doesn’t even love you the

way I do. She’s nothing, Adrian. She’s been gone for years, and yet you’re still holding on to

her.

”

But Adrian gave no answer. He simply grabbed a pillow, brushed past her, and shut the guest

room door behind him.

Meanwhile, Damien’s thoughts were heavy too. His chest eased only when his mother’s voice

echoed faintly from the enchanted necklace.

“Damien, Charles told me he called you. I haven’t been feeling too strong, but I’ll be fine. Don’t

bother coming, I know that’s what you planned. Your brother will be here. He needs to find the

cure for my illness. I’ll be with his wife when he travels to Lupinia. You don’t need to worry,

alright?”

Her reassurance soothed him for a heartbeat, but unease remained. He wanted to see her with

his own eyes, to make sure she wasn’t just pretending for his sake. Still, he dressed for duty.

At the Alpha’s house, he changed into the guard uniform and reported to his post by the prison

cells. Hours dragged on in silence. No Dora, no instructions, not even food. His stomach

growled, his patience frayed. Worst day in Lupinia yet.

Until Adrian walked in.

Adrian stepped forward, his voice low but demanding.

“When you said Luna was cursed… what did you mean?”

Fenris looked away.

“I asked you a question,

” Adrian pressed.

Finally, Fenris turned, his face shadowed with bitterness.

“You rejected my daughter. You

imprisoned me for three years. And now you ask for my help? No. If you want answers, you’ll

have to kill me first.

”

Adrian’s throat tightened. He could do nothing but storm away, though the fire in his eyes

promised he would return.

Outside, Nivienne intercepted him.

Leo will be here.

”

“Adrian, tomorrow night we are hosting the blessing feast.

Adrian blinked.

“Who’s Leo?”

“Come on, Adrian,

” she said with a smile.

“He’s like your second father. Luna’s father. Have you

forgotten so soon?”

“And the feast—it’s for what again?”

Nivienne’s expression faltered.

“To bless the Goddess for continuing to give gifts to the

Bloodmoon wolves. We are the only pack entrusted with such blessings.

”

But Adrian wasn’t thinking about the feast. His mind sharpened with new questions.

“Mother… Do you love Father?”

Her lips parted, then closed. She nodded slowly.

“And does he love you?” Adrian pressed.

She turned away, her voice faint.

say if he ever loved me.

”

“You don’t tell the Goddess who to bind together. So I cannot

She left him in silence, doubts multiplying in his mind.

Later that evening, Damien finally left his post. Dora found him near the gate.

“How was your first day at work?” she teased.

Damien sighed.

“Honestly? Miserable. No food, no sign of you, and nothing to do but stand. I’ll

pass. Now excuse me, I’m starving.

” He darted off before she could reply.

That same evening, Elias was outside picking flowers randomly when he caught sight of

Damien in the distance. His eyes widened with recognition he couldn’t explain.

“Mom,

” he whispered later, tugging at my sleeve,

“does Dad stay in this town?”

My heart stuttered. Panic tightened my chest. I forced a smile.

might be here… but let’s not think of that now. Do you want to eat?”

“Well, Elias, maybe your dad

“Yes, Mom,

” he said innocently.

Relief swept over me for the moment. But as I tucked them into bed, my heart whispered truths I

didn’t want to face. What answer will I give them later, when they ask again? I miss Damien so

much… but he said he wasn’t ready for children. So I did what I thought was right.

After dinner, Elara drifted to sleep quickly, but Elias refused.

“I won’t sleep if you don’t, Mom.

”

I kissed his forehead and soothed him until his eyes fluttered shut. Only then did exhaustion pull

me under.

But morning brought no comfort.

My father still hadn’t returned.

“Liora,

” I said firmly,

“I’m going to find him. And also something—anything, to earn a little money.

But you must keep Elias and Elara inside. Don’t let them out. And I’ll disguise myself so no one

recognizes me.

”

Liora nodded, her face drawn with worry. She brought out an old wig, strange paints for makeup,

and a bundle of silly clothes. Together we crafted a disguise—gaudy, strange, and

unrecognizable.

I kissed my children. Then I left, my heart pounding with both fear and determination.

The streets watched me as I passed. People whispered, snickered at my ridiculous disguise. I

ignored them. My eyes scanned for any sign of work, any clue of my father.

And then I froze.

Not far ahead, in the crowd

Damien.

My breath caught. My heart stills.

Did Damien come to Lupinia? What is he doing here?