Chapter 6
Anderson gritted his teeth and admitted it with a pained expression, “That’s right. The two of us have been bullying Irene all this time like blind fools. But you’re not that innocent either.”
His wolf let out a furious roar, “You and I both deserve to burn in hell!”
Just then, Rhys came running back, covered in dirt. He had dug the gift out of the trash.
While Leah’s parents kept arguing in their defense, Rhys gave a bitter smile and pulled out solid proof from his coat, no longer believing them.
“I got my memories back. The one who protected me and took care of me was always Irene.”
Faced with undeniable evidence, Leah’s family finally turned pale.
Five months later, in Icebourne, clinging to the ice wall, I plucked a rare Silverleaf Herb and tucked it into my medical kit.
It had been a good harvest. I headed back to my ice hut. Just as I packed everything up, my teacher called me.
“The mission is almost over. When are you coming back?”
I smiled as I zipped up my bag. “I’ll be back this week.”
My mother’s death anniversary was coming up. I missed her. It was time to bring flowers to her grave.
“No problem. One more thing: remember the illegal excavation of the altar that caused the avalanche? Frostmoon Pack’s Alpha
was stripped of his title and is now imprisoned, facing exile.
“The werewolf’s name is Anderson. It sounds familiar. Did you mention him before?”
I denied it in an indifferent tone, “You must be mistaken. I don’t know him.”
We talked a little longer about trivial matters–nothing worth paying attention to.
After saying my goodbyes to my friends in Icebourne, I set off on my journey home.
The trip lasted half a month. When I arrived at my destination, the pure white snow had cleansed my soul and healed my wounds.
I no longer clung to the past.
My future was mine alone. I moved into a new place, one more convenient for work.
After submitting my mission report, I took my mother’s favorite flowers to the cemetery. Strangely, her gravestone had already
been cleaned. It was surrounded by fresh flowers and candles.
A smiling photograph of my mother had been placed on the headstone.
1/2
I remembered that picture. Rhys and I had picked it out together while crying. I emptied my thoughts and laid down the flowers.
Then, I heard footsteps. Turning around, I saw Rhys. Time had worn him down–his once–vibrant face was now hollowed with age, his fur rough and faded.
He was even slightly hunched, no longer the confident, lively man he used to be. He kept his eyes down, avoiding my gaze, his expression guilty and timid, as if he were afraid of something.
“Irene… I’m glad I can still see you.” His voice had changed too. It had become rougher, deeper, and thicker with regret.
His wolf tucked its tail, hesitantly taking a step toward me. Seeing that I didn’t react, it quickly retreated.
He tried to please me.
“I cleaned up Mom’s old house. Before Anderson was locked up, he made sure to take his revenge on Leah and her family. Mom’s
inheritance remains untouched.”
He was offering these things like a child seeking approval, even straightening his posture slightly as he spoke.
But I remained indifferent. His eyes turned red. “Irene… You’re the only person in this world who matters to me. I should’ve been
on your side all along. I couldn’t sleep well while you were gone.
ed
