3

##Chapter 3

I didn’t know how to respond. I could only hold him tightly. “Daddy isn't being good. We don’t need him anymore.”

Dorian nodded through his sobs.

He understood too well, and his maturity was heartbreaking.

I wiped his tears and softly said, “We’re leaving this place, Dorian, and we’ll never return to the Erebus Clan.”

“But what about Daddy?” he asked, tears still in his eyes.

“He won’t come looking for us.” I forced a smile.

Just as I was packing our things, there was a hurried knocking at the door.

“Sylvia, don’t do this.” Marcus’s voice came through the door, low and weary. “I know you’re hurting. Just hold on a little longer, okay? Once I inherit the tribe, I’ll be able to control the army, and everything will be alright.”

I stood behind the door, silent.

I no longer needed his promises.

What I wanted wasn’t his compensation but the power that belonged to me.

The throne of the Silvermoon Clan was waiting for my return.

...

Night quietly descended, and the moonlight at the forest's edge spilled over the grass like mercury, soft enough to break one's heart.

I was tucking Dorian in when he frowned, clutching his plush doll, looking quite unhappy.

“Mommy,” he said sullenly, “Daddy said he’d tell me the story of the moon goddess tonight, but he forgot again.”

I sat on the edge of his small bed, gently running my fingers through his soft, blonde hair. “How about I tell it instead?”

Dorian shook his head, pouting. “The neighbor’s little wolf has firefly lanterns. I want to catch some too.”

I hesitated. It was already late, and the forest was never completely safe. But looking into his eager eyes, I ultimately nodded.

“Then let’s promise to only catch them for a little while and come back, okay?”

He nodded, his eyes lighting up.

I took his hand and walked into the forest.

Dorian darted through the shadows like a little deer, chasing the flickering fireflies, bursting into fits of joyous laughter.

I smiled at him, trailing behind as we ventured deeper into the woods.

Suddenly, a sweet, sultry moan reached my ears.

My smile froze on my lips.

That voice was all too familiar—

It was Camilla.

I froze in my tracks.

The sound came from just behind a nearby thicket.

I should have turned and left, but my body felt as if it were nailed to the spot, my fingertips growing cold.

I took a few steps forward, following the sound.

Then I saw it.

Marcus, bare-chested, was on top of Camilla, greedily kissing her. Camilla tilted her neck back, her eyes filled with flirtation and desire.

And Marcus… there was no hint of struggle in his eyes, only surrender.

“Ah… Marcus, go faster…”

Camilla opened her eyes, sneering at me. “Claim me, ah, Mmm… Marcus…”

“Wonderful, my dear.”

She deliberately raised her voice, sultry enough to feel like a dagger in my heart.