If I'm Not the Only One, I'll Leave Without Looking Back

I got out of bed as soon as it was light. I hadn't slept all night, and my eyes were sore and painful. I brought a bowl of hot soup from the kitchen, sat by the window, and cut myself some bread. When Rowan came out, he first glanced at the table. "What about mine?" "There's still some in the kitchen." He paused, walked over, put his hand on my shoulder, and lowered his head to kiss my forehead. I turned to the side to grab my water glass, avoiding it. Didn't sleep well last night? "Um." The hand lingered on my shoulder for a moment before finally letting go. In the past, I had to beg him for this kiss little by little. At first, he would always forget, saying he wasn't used to such intimate gestures as kissing, so I would tug at his sleeve and look up at him, waiting. Now that I no longer ask for kisses, he doesn't feel like he's missing anything. Rowan pulled out a chair and picked up a piece of bread. "Irving said you entrusted him with the arrangements for the winter tour as well?" I gripped the water glass tighter. "We've given him the map, but he still needs to familiarize himself with the route. I'll take him through it today." “I’ll go with you,” Rowan said. “We can see the mountain pass to the north.” I looked up. He had already started eating, and casually added, "Once he can take over, you won't have to run around all day." I lowered my eyes and finished my soup. He thought that once I finished this busy period, I would stay by his side. After breakfast, we set off on horseback. Before they reached the fork in the road leading to the north mountain, a messenger caught up with them. “Alpha, Miss Lydia is waiting at the East Gate. She said that if no one accompanies her back to her old house to retrieve her things today, she will go by herself.” Rowan immediately pulled on the reins. "Who told her to go by herself?" She said that her mother left behind some things in those boxes, and she was afraid that if she delayed any longer, she would never be able to find them again. Rowan turned his horse around: "Tell the guards at the river mouth to go and retrieve her things." I reached out and pressed down on his reins. “The people from the river mouth cannot be transferred. A hunter’s trap was just discovered outside the village, and that forest hasn’t been cleared yet.” "I'll arrange for someone else to fill in for me if I only go for two days." "Then we should wait for the replacement to arrive—" "Clara, she's already waiting at the door." He interrupted me, his voice urging me on. "I'll go back first and leave her at Stone Castle. You know the way north, so you can take Owen there." My hand was still on the reins. He just said he would come with me. Rowan glanced at my hand, then looked towards the Stone Castle. I slowly loosened my grip. "The night patrol at the river mouth cannot be left empty." "I know." He sped away with the messenger, never looking back. Muds kicked up by the horses' hooves landed on the hem of my cloak. I stopped at the crossroads, watching the two figures disappear before tightening my grip on the reins. In the past, when I encountered something like this, I would always wait a while. Perhaps he will catch up with her after he has settled her in. This time, I turned directly onto the mountain road to the north. Irving and two patrolmen were already waiting there. I led them across the gentle slope suitable for transporting grain, pointing out the river sections that were impassable in winter. Ouwenhua, like a gray wolf, retraced the route I had indicated. When he returned, I gave him the map I had kept. "Next time, you'll lead the team." He took the map: "Luna, aren't you coming along?" "I have other plans." On the way back, we detoured to Hekou Village. Irving asked the patrolmen who stayed behind, and when he returned, he frowned: "That team of guards set off this afternoon, but the replacement for the night patrol hasn't been decided yet." I instructed those who remained to guard the village first, and not to scatter into the woods after dark, but to wait for the reinforcements to arrive before taking the original route. I also wrote these arrangements next to the map I gave Rowan. I can clearly hand over what I know, but I can't always fill in the gaps he leaves behind. When they returned to Stone Castle in the evening, Rowan had already come back. He stood by the brazier in the hall, looking relaxed. When I entered, he reached out and took the map from me. "They taught it all to Irving?" "Yes. And the night patrols at the river mouth—" "I will arrange it." He unfolded the map, but his gaze lingered on my wrist. "Where's the bracelet?" I glanced down. There was a faint mark left where I had worn the bracelet for years. "Take it off, it's in the way when I do things." “That bracelet is so old, it should have been replaced a long time ago.” Rowan smiled. “Next time we go to the market, we’ll pick out a new one.” I looked at him but didn't say anything. Thinking about the bracelet I took off this morning, I can't quite describe the feeling in my heart. Lydia called out to him from the other end of the corridor. Rowan placed the map on the table: "I'll look at it in a bit." He walked very fast. I stood there for a moment, turned the side marked "River Estuary Night Patrol" to the top, and then picked up my cloak. To get back to the bedroom, one must pass through the inner courtyard. As I walked down the stone steps, I suddenly stopped. Lydia sat on the veranda, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. Rowan stood behind her, a comb in one hand and a knotted strand of hair in the other. "Don't move, it'll be untied soon." She took a soft breath, and he immediately stopped moving. "Does it hurt?" "A little." "Then I'll be gentler." He put down the comb and slowly untied the knot with his fingers. Lydia looked up at him, and he lowered his head to listen patiently to her. The map marking the gap in the patrol area is still in the hall. I gripped the cloak tightly, my knuckles turning white. Last winter, during a patrol, I was caught in a heavy rain. I barely escaped danger, and when I returned, my hair was so messy that I couldn't comb it. I asked him for help. He tried it twice, then lost patience and shoved the comb back into my hand. "I can't do these things, you do them yourself." That day, I sat alone by the fire for a long time, until my arms ached, before I slowly combed my hair. I had always hoped that he would comb my hair and warm my hands like a lover, but he has been too busy in recent years, and he is not good at these delicate things, so I have not bothered him anymore. In the corridor, Rowan finally untied the knot and tucked Lydia's long hair behind her ear. I looked away and continued walking. Back in my bedroom, I took the old leather bracelet out of my pocket. This was hand-woven by Rowan for me when we became engaged. At that time, he was not yet the leader, and I was always worried about his safety whenever he went out to fight against foreign tribes. He made this bracelet himself, put it on me, and held my hand, saying that when he wasn't around, this bracelet would accompany and protect me in his place, and that seeing the bracelet was like seeing him. Over the years, when the leather straps loosened, I tightened them again; and when they wore out, I repaired them twice. This morning, it took me a long time to untie that knot. Now, I put it in the fireplace. The flames licked the leather rope, and the woven strips gradually curled and charred. I sat by the fire, watching the last familiar shape disappear. Eleven days left. This time, I don't need it.

The meeting had just ended when Rowan called me back. He pointed to the parchment left by Irving: "You also entrusted him with the winter arrangements for each family?" "Yes. I've already told him which households need their roofs repaired and where the food should be delivered. He'll be in charge from now on." Rowan nodded, his tone relaxed: "That's good, it saves you from being busy with these trivial matters all day long." trivia. I glanced at the few sheets of parchment covered with writing. I checked these things with my fellow villagers one by one: which households had elderly people who couldn't get through the winter alone, which mountain roads would be blocked by snow first, and when the grain carts would be able to leave in time. I treated each and every task as Luna's responsibility, doing them meticulously and diligently so that Rowan's rear could be secured and he could feel at ease. When it comes to him, all you need to see are a few lines of neatly arranged results. Rowan turned a couple of pages, his brows gradually furrowing. "Why write it all together? I need to look at the most urgent things first." He handed me the parchment, his voice softening. "Or do you know what I need?" I didn't answer. “Irving just took over. Tell him your requirements, and he'll know next time.” Rowan's hand froze in mid-air. In the past, if he frowned even slightly, I would take the things from him and rearrange them for him. This time, I was just waiting for him to withdraw his hand. A moment later, he put the parchment back on the table. "Alright, let him learn at his own pace." A servant came in and reminded him of the time for the banquet. The leader of the valley wolf pack is hosting a wedding banquet for his son tonight. The invitation, sent a few days ago, was addressed to Rowan and his partner. I looked at him and asked, "Do you need me to come with you tonight?" Rowan paused for a moment. "Haven't you been sleeping well these past two days? There are a lot of people over there, and it's going to be noisy until late at night. I've already sent word back that you're not feeling well." He made the decision for me without even asking me. "Will Lydia go with you?" "She knows the people there, so it's a good opportunity for her to go out and clear her head." Rowan took a step closer and reached out to put his arm around my shoulder. "Don't overthink it. I'll go out with you alone after I'm done with these things." I stepped back half a step and picked up my map. "Perfect timing, I also have plans for tonight." "What arrangements?" "Go to Mei's place." He visibly breathed a sigh of relief. "Then go ahead. Don't always lock yourself in your room." I nodded. The "future" he mentioned still requires him to finish many things. My trip only has ten days left. In the evening, when I passed through the front courtyard, all the guests had already gathered. Lydia, dressed in a deep red gown, stood beside the carriage. Rowan first lifted the hem of her dress, then took her hand and helped her step onto the footboard. A guest who knew them well laughed. "Looking at you two, it really feels like we've gone back to a few years ago. You're still so loving after all these years." Lydia turned to look at Rowan, her cheeks slightly flushed. He laughed too, without correcting his statement. She was still holding his hand before the carriage curtain fell. I stopped behind the pillars and didn't continue walking until the carriage drove out of the gate. May's brother Finn has returned. He often leads caravans to various territories, and I will accompany him on this trip to the coast. May cleared a table for us. Finn spread out a map, confirmed the villages we would stop at along the way with me, and reminded me to bring a rain tarpaulin. "The weather in Yamaguchi is starting to change, so make sure you're well covered with clothes and blankets." "I will prepare." "Where do you plan to stay once we reach the coast?" I took out the reply and showed it to him. "Here. They've reserved a place for me to stay. I'll familiarize myself with the nearby mountain paths after I arrive." Finn finished reading the letter and handed it back to me without asking why I had to leave. "Ten days from now, before dawn, come to the stables. I'll be waiting for you there." I held the letter and nodded. Some people treated my departure as something that needed to be carefully planned, and I was speechless for a moment. Late at night, Finn escorted me back to Stone Castle. As we approached the door, we stopped again to check a fork in the road. His map was tucked into my hand, with the reply from the coast underneath. Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from behind. Rowan is back. Lydia was almost entirely leaning against him. He helped her out of the car, and when he looked up and saw Finn and me, the smile on his face immediately faded. What are you doing so late? His gaze fell on the letter in my hand. Who sent it? I folded up the reply, put it in my pocket, and returned the map to Finn. "The caravan is about to depart; we are checking the mountain road." Rowan glanced at Finn, seemingly wanting to ask another question. At that moment, Lydia gripped his collar tightly and called his name softly. Rowan, I feel so dizzy. He immediately bent down to steady her, his hand resting on her waist. The smell of alcohol wafted over on the wind, mixed with the scents that had mingled from the two people being so close together. I stepped aside. "Is she drunk?" "I had a few drinks." Rowan paused for a moment. "Let her stay at the West Tower tonight." I looked up. Lydia and her people have always lived in the East Courtyard. The West Tower, however, is where Rowan and I live; the upstairs rooms were originally intended for the two of us only. “There are too many people in the East Wing, and she keeps waking up at night,” Rowan explained. “I’ve already promised her that she can move next door to us and stay for a few days.” And I've already agreed. I'm still standing here, but he doesn't seem to think he needs to ask me about this. Lydia looked up, her eyes glistening with tears. "Clara, I won't bother you. I just... don't want to wake up in the night and not have anyone to talk to." As she spoke, her fingers remained gripping Rowan's clothes. Rowan patted her on the back. "Don't be afraid, go upstairs and rest first." I looked at him, then glanced at the stone steps leading to the West Tower. "There's no need to have my things packed. There are still empty rooms there." Rowan was slightly taken aback, then his expression relaxed. "Of course. I'm just letting her stay temporarily, not asking you to move out." He thought I was just bothered by the room. I didn't tell him that I no longer needed anyone to clean up for me. The luggage at the foot of the bed was already tied up, and the rest of the things will be taken away one by one. Rowan helped Lydia take two steps forward, then stopped and turned to look at Finn. "We can discuss matters concerning caravans during the day as well." After he finished speaking, his gaze returned to me, his tone carrying a familiar reproach. "Clara, don't meet with other men alone so late. You are my partner." I looked at his hands that were wrapped around Lydia's waist. So, he still remembers that I was his partner, Luna of the wolf clan. How ridiculous. "I'm talking about serious business." "I didn't say what you did, I was just reminding you to be mindful of your actions." Lydia snuggled closer to him, her eyes closed, as if she were too sleepy to stand. I didn't explain further and turned to Finn. "Thank you for tonight. We'll talk about the rest tomorrow." Finn took the map, but did not leave immediately. His gaze shifted from Rowan's face to Lydia, lingering for a moment. "Alpha, you don't need to remind Clara of her identity." He put away the map, his voice calm. "But what is the status of the person in your arms who has moved into her home?"

"guest." Rowan's face darkened. "Do I need to explain to you that I'm accommodating a guest in my own home?" Finn glanced at his hand, which was still around Lydia's. "The person you need to explain to is not me." Rowan's jaw tightened, and he forced out a low growl. I took a step forward. "Finn, I can handle this. You can go back now." He looked at me, and only after I nodded did he put away the map and leave. Rowan stared at his retreating figure, his voice cold and hard. “There are no problems between my partner and me that he mentioned.” Lydia then gently struggled. "It's my fault." She straightened up, holding onto his arm, her eyes gradually reddening. "I was only thinking about my own fear and forgot that this is where you and Clara live. I should go back to the East Wing. I can't let you two have a fight because of me." She had just turned around when Rowan grabbed her. "Since I've agreed to let you stay, I won't kick you out." "But Clara..." "She won't make things difficult for you." He answered for me before turning to look at me. "It's just a short stay. You won't mind, will you?" I watched him take Lydia's hand. He has already made his promise and comforted her. Now that he's asking me, there's only one answer he's willing to hear. "Your guests, you take care of them." Rowan paused for a moment, then his expression softened. "Of course, I won't make you feel uncomfortable." I didn't say anything more and walked up the stone steps alone. Behind her, Lydia whispered that she was cold. Rowan immediately took off his cloak and wrapped her in his arms. When I woke up the next day, the other side of the bed was already cold. I heard hushed voices coming from next door. I got dressed and went out of the room, and saw Rowan squatting in front of Lydia, loosening her boot laces. There was a ring of red marks around her ankle from being strapped in. "You weren't feeling well last night, why didn't you tell me?" "I thought I could just bear it." "If you feel unwell in the future, just say so. You don't have to endure it." He told her to put her feet on the cushion and got up to find another pair of shoes. I stood at the doorway, my fingers slowly tightening. I haven't heard him say those words to me in a long time. Hurried footsteps echoed down the stairs. Irving caught up, his face grim. "Luna, something happened at the river mouth. The patrolmen who escorted the tribesmen back to the village last night did not return. The villagers went out to search for them after dawn and found bloodstains in the river bend." I immediately turned around. "Where are the people who filled in for the previous ones?" "Not yet." Rowan also came out of the room. After listening to Owen's words, he frowned: "Take two people to check it out first. Clara knows the river well, let her guide you." I looked at him. He added, "I'll be there shortly." Lydia reached out and grabbed his sleeve. "Rowan..." He turned around and helped her up: "Sit down first, don't walk by yourself." I didn't wait any longer. “Owen, take the ropes and blankets. Have someone inform May that there may be wounded.” When we arrived at the river mouth, the morning fog had not yet dissipated. The guards who were supposed to patrol the river and clear out the traps were sent to retrieve something for Lydia and haven't returned yet. I transformed into a wolf and searched for bloodstains along the riverbank. Owen and two others followed behind, using their spears to push aside the dead branches obscuring the path. We found the missing person below the river bend. The patrolman, his leg injured in a trap set by an animal, leaned against the rock face. The mother and child he was escorting, too afraid to cross the forest alone, stayed with him there all night. The child huddled in his mother's arms, his lips white from the cold. Irving pried open the bear trap and helped the wounded man to his feet. I walked back the way we came, looking for a place for them to rest. While crossing a narrow, rocky slope, the child slipped. His mother reached out to pull him, but couldn't get a hold of him. I lunged forward and used my shoulder to push him back down the rocky slope, but my left front paw stepped into the dry grass next to me. The metal suddenly closed up. A sharp pain shot up my front leg, and I collapsed to the ground with a scream I couldn't suppress. "Don't move!" Irving lunged forward, parted the dry grass, and his expression changed instantly. The teeth of the animal trap are inlaid with silver. A burning pain pierced my bones in waves. My instinct was to break free, but the place where I was being held was so painful that my vision went black. Irving held my shoulder down, and the other two people helped to open the clamp. By the time those rows of teeth finally loosened, I didn't even have the strength to stand up. After regaining human form, the wound lay across his left wrist, and blood dripped down his fingers. Irving took off his coat and wrapped it around my arm. "I'll take you back first." I looked up and glanced at the road I had come from. The only traces left in the woods were our footprints. Rowan did not come. When I returned to Mei, my sleeves were soaked with blood. She cut open the cuff and saw the wound. Her face darkened, but she didn't ask any questions. She immediately ordered someone to boil water and fetch a clean cloth. The medicine was brought to my lips, and I drank a few sips, but my hands still trembled uncontrollably. “The bones aren’t broken.” Mei held my uninjured hand. “But it’s a silver wound, and it’ll heal slowly. Don’t use your left hand these days, and definitely don’t turn back into wolf form to travel.” I nodded, rested my forehead on her shoulder, and finally, tears fell. When she cleaned my wound, I tensed up in pain, and several times I wanted to pull my hand away, but I gritted my teeth and stopped. "Tell me if it hurts," Mei said softly. "You don't have to bear it." I heard the same thing next door this morning. I closed my eyes, but the tears just kept falling. After our wounds were treated, the guard who was supposed to return to the stone fortress to deliver the message arrived. He stood by the door, remaining silent for a long time. May looked up: "Where's Rowan?" "Alpha asked if Luna's life was in danger. I told him, as you said, that the bleeding had stopped." "Then what?" The guard glanced at me. "The group that went to the old house has returned. Miss Lydia saw the things her mother left behind and kept crying. Alpha said... he'll stay with her for now and come see Luna later." The room fell silent. I looked down at my bandaged hand. A few days ago, I reminded him that the guards at the river mouth could not be transferred. He said he would only be there for two days. This morning, he told me to go and rescue people first. He said he would be there shortly. Now he knows I'm injured. He added that he would come later. Mei gripped my hand tightly and turned to ask the guard to make another trip. "No." My voice was so hoarse that it was almost inaudible. "Let him go and rest." After the guard left, Mei wiped the cold sweat from my forehead and raised the pillow so I could lean back more comfortably. "Stay with me tonight." "good." I looked out the window at the mountain road leading to the stone fortress, and after a moment, I spoke again. "May, please tell Finn to move that horse to the carriage." Her hand stopped. "You still want to stick to the original schedule?" Nine more days. My luggage is in the west tower, the route to the coast is confirmed, and there are people waiting to welcome me there. I don't want to leave any more days for what Rowan calls "later," and I don't want to waste my life waiting for wolves that don't belong to me. "Please reserve a spot for me first." I placed my uninjured hand into Mei's palm. "Before you leave, please check my injury one more time. If I can get a ride, I'll go."

Two days later, Rowan finally arrived. Mei Gang changed my dressing. The blood-stained strips of cloth were still in the basin. I pulled up my sleeve with my right hand, but it couldn't cover the thick bandage on my wrist. He paused at the doorway. "Why is it still bleeding?" “Silver wounds don’t heal so easily.” Mei picked up the basin of water. “The messenger should have told you that.” Rowan looked embarrassed for a moment and didn't reply. He walked to the bedside and took my right hand in his. His palm was warm, a temperature I had known for many years. “I thought everything would be fine once the bleeding stopped.” He looked at my face, his brows gradually furrowing. “You’ve lost weight.” I pulled my hand out and picked up the water glass from the bedside table. He took it first and brought it to my lips. I took a sip, but didn't lean into his arms as I used to. "Why don't you send someone to look for me anymore?" he asked in a low voice. "You are my partner. You can call me anytime you need me." “I called him that day.” The rim of the glass rested on my lips. Rowan remained silent for a while before putting down his cup. “The river mouth has been reinforced with guards. Owen led his men to search the nearby wooded road and found two more traps.” "That's good." "Clara..." He reached out and touched my hair. I thought I wouldn't ask again, but seeing the worry on his face, I couldn't help but ask. "If Lydia were trapped, would you also wait two days to go see her?" His hand paused. "Don't compare us like that. I'm just as worried about you." I looked down at the bruises on my left wrist that were sticking out of the bandage. It turns out that he felt that this answer was enough to put my mind at ease. Mei pushed the door open and handed me a folded piece of paper. “Finn brought it. He moved the seats in the car so you can rest against the cushions instead of sitting up straight all the time.” Rowan looked up. "What seat?" "From a caravan." I unfolded the paper. Finn had written down the location of the carriage and reminded me to bring enough of Meikai's medicine before setting off. "Are you still planning to go out?" Rowan looked at my injured hand. "I only left after Mei checked me and gave me permission to travel." Where to? "West Coast". He was visibly taken aback for a moment, then sighed. "I'm still thinking about that matter." Of course I'm thinking about it. There was a room reserved for me, and things waiting for me to do. Rowan sat down on the edge of the bed: "Once your hand is better, it'll be good to go out for a walk. Leave the wolf pack to Owen, you don't need to worry about it." "It's already been handed over to him." "I know." He gently patted my knee. "Take a good rest for a few days this time, and don't think about coming back halfway through the journey again." I folded Finn's letter and put it into my bag. Footsteps sounded outside the door. A waitress stopped at the door and bowed to Rowan. "Alpha, Miss Lydia has been crying since she woke up. She dreamt of her mother and won't open the door no matter who tries to persuade her." Rowan immediately stood up. "How long has it been?" “It’s been a while. She keeps asking you where you went.” "Tell her not to be afraid, I—" He suddenly stopped and turned to look at me. My left hand rests on the pillow, and the edge of the newly changed bandage is oozing a little dark red again. Rowan sat down again, picked up his water glass, but didn't hand it to me. His thumb rubbed back and forth along the rim of the glass, his gaze already fixed on the door. I took the cup from him. "Go back now." "I'll go check on her first, and wait until she calms down..." "Um." He looked at me, as if he wanted to say something. Finally, he turned to May and asked, "When will she be able to return to the castle?" "If you don't have a fever tomorrow, you can go back and continue to rest. Change your medication on time, and you still can't use your left hand." I'll pick you up tomorrow afternoon. Rowan leaned down and placed a kiss on my forehead. "I will have the car ready." This time, I didn't say it well. Unaware of what was happening, he put on his cloak and went out. I heard him outside the courtyard instructing the maids that if Lydia had nightmares again, she should come to him immediately without waiting. Mei walked to the bedside and raised my wrists again. "Does it still hurt?" I nodded. She didn't ask Rowan any more questions, but simply handed me the medicine bowl. *** The next afternoon, the luggage had already been packed away beside the bed. Mei examined my wound and told me to continue resting in bed after I got back. I put on my coat and sat by the window for half an hour. There was no movement at the courtyard gate. "Should we send someone to the castle to inquire?" Mei asked. "No." I took out a few copper coins from my purse and asked her to ask someone to pass on a message to Finn. Finn arrived in his carriage as the sun dipped below the treetops. He didn't ask me why I was waiting here alone. He simply laid out a folded blanket on the seat, then held onto the car door to help me sit down. "Go back to the castle first?" "Hmm. I still have some things to get." The stone road was uneven. Every time the wheel went over a dent, my left wrist would ache slightly. Finn drove very slowly. When we arrived at the castle, the doors to the hall were open. A merchant from the south was tidying up wooden boxes lined with velvet and filled with gold ornaments and polished gems. Lydia sat at the long table and raised her wrist. A thin gold chain was wrapped around her wrist. Rowan was looking down, fastening the clasp for her. "Isn't it too expensive?" she asked softly. "Stay if you like it." The merchant smiled and closed the other two boxes as well. "I'll pack these two items for you as well, Alfa." Lydia leaned closer to look, her laughter echoing in the empty hall. I stopped at the doorway, waiting for the pain in my left wrist to subside. Rowan saw me first. "Clara?" He released Lydia's hand and strode over. Why are you back? After he finished speaking, he seemed to finally remember something, and his gaze fell on the carriage behind me. "I was just about to pick you up. The merchant arrived early today, and I need to check on his goods, so I'll leave now..." Lydia dangled the gold chain behind him. Tiny gold flakes clinked together, making a soft sound. I didn't ask him how long it would take to choose these things. "I'm back to get my clothes." "Aren't all your things in the room?" "So I came back to get it." Rowan frowned: "Where are you going?" "Mei is there. It's convenient for her to change my dressing." He looked at my pale face and finally reached out to help me up. "I'll go upstairs with you." "No need. Just have the maid move the two boxes at the foot of the bed down; I've already packed them." He hesitated for a moment, then turned around and ordered someone to fetch it. Lydia walked over to him and whispered, "Rowan, the merchant is waiting to settle his bill." He responded, but did not turn around immediately. "I'll come see you tonight after I've finished dealing with this." I held onto the car door. "The plum trees will rest at night." "Then tomorrow." I didn't respond to him again. The two boxes were quickly carried down. Inside were my clothes, maps, and savings I had accumulated over the years. I didn't wear any of the jewelry Rowan gave me. Finn secured the box to the back of the car, making sure it wouldn't slide, before coming back to help me into the car. Rowan stood on the steps and told me again to get some rest. I nodded. After the carriage left the city gate, Finn asked, "Was the box also delivered to May?" I glanced at the small bag beside me. There are enough clean clothes and medicine in there. "Place the boxes in your convoy first." There are still six days before the caravan departs. Before I left, Mei wanted to check my wound one last time. But I didn't want to linger on things that could be done in advance. I leaned against the soft cushion and gently supported my injured left wrist. "Finn, those two boxes don't need to be sent back to the castle."

The next afternoon, I went back to the West Tower to retrieve the bow, only to see a maid carrying it at the bottom of the stairs, preparing to go downstairs. Where are you taking it? The waitress stopped in her tracks. “Storeroom. Miss Lydia said that you have already moved the boxes away, and these remaining ones are not needed for the time being, so it will make room for them.” I looked at what she was holding. Besides the bow, there was my quiver and the old cloak draped over it. My injured wrist throbbed slightly. "Put them down. I'll take them with me." The waitress quickly placed the things on the bench and opened the door to the small hall for me. The table by the window has been moved. My map used to be spread out on that table. In winter, when the daylight hours are short, I would always mark the forks in the road and ferry crossings that I hadn't yet figured out before sunset. Now there is a soft chair there, with Lydia's shawl draped over the armrest. Beside the fireplace, two chairs were placed close together, with a chess set still in play between them. I recognize that chess set. The year we became a couple, I bought it from a passing merchant, thinking that the winter nights would be long and I could spend them with Rowan. He only played half a game with me. "I already have so many things to think about during the day, let me go back to my room and rest." Later, I put the chess set away in the cabinet and never took it out again. “Alpha accompanied Miss Lydia until very late last night.” The waitress followed my gaze. “Miss Lydia said that having someone with her helps her stop thinking about the past.” I stood there for a while before letting go of my right hand that was bracing against the door frame. So it turns out he can actually play this game of chess. "Who told her to redecorate this place?" "Alpha said that Sita could make her own decisions about things." The waitress's voice gradually lowered. I didn't ask any more questions. "Give me my things first. And the same goes for everything else." "Yes, Luna." I asked her to wrap the bow and quiver in soft cloth and hand them to the coachman waiting outside the courtyard, so that they could be delivered to Finn's caravan. After the bow was taken away, there was nothing left here that I planned to take to the beach. *** That evening, the castle hosted a banquet for several guests from the neighboring community. Two of the mentors were people I had known for many years. I had already agreed to attend, and I would like to see them one last time before I leave. Mei only allowed me to sit for a while, telling me to protect my injured hand and come back when I got tired. When I entered the hall, Rowan was pulling out a chair for Lydia. That was the seat next to him. For the past four years, whenever there has been such a banquet, I have sat there, remembering the guests' purpose and taking care of the trivial matters they were unwilling to discuss. As Lydia sat down, the gold chain on her wrist swayed gently. Rowan looked up and saw me, his smile fading for a moment. "Clara, why didn't you have someone tell me?" "I promised I would come." A servant had already stepped forward, but stopped after seeing the seating arrangement at the table. "Luna, your location..." Lydia seemed to realize she was sitting in the wrong place and quickly grabbed the edge of the table for support. "I didn't know this was Clara's place. I'll just go somewhere else." Rowan pressed down on her shoulder. "Sit down, why are you moving around like this?" He turned to his attendants. "Add another chair." The servant glanced at the long table, which was already full, and didn't move for a moment. The conversations on both sides quieted down. Rowan finally realized something and reached out his hand to me. "Clara, come to me." I did not go there. "I'll sit over there." At another long table near the fireplace, someone had already stood up and made way for me to easily enter and exit. They were those two guides. I thanked them, handed the cloak to the servant, and sat down. Rowan was still looking at me, even though we were two tables apart. In the past, when something like this happened, I would always wait for him to explain. Even if he just came over and whispered to me, "Don't overthink it," I could still reluctantly sit back down next to him. This time, I turned my gaze away first. "I heard you're injured." The guide beside me looked at my bandages. "A silver trap?" "The teeth were inlaid with silver, but the bones were not injured." “It will take time to heal.” He frowned, then moved the water bottle closer for me. “When the road opens up to the north next spring, can you take us there again? No one knows that old road better than you.” "I won't be taking on any work here next spring." He was somewhat surprised. I continued, "I've given Owen the map and information on the villages along the way. If you need to arrange manpower later, you can contact him directly." Rowan happened to walk to the table. "She just needs to go out and rest for a while." He put his hand on the back of my chair and replied with a smile, "We'll talk again when she's healed." “I’ve already handed the road over to Irving.” I looked up at him. “This matter doesn’t need to wait for me to come back.” His smile faded slightly. "Clara, we can discuss this later." I didn't argue, but simply called Owen over and introduced him to the guide. Soon, they began talking about the first mountain pass that would be passable after the start of spring. The questions that used to plague me have found new places to go. Rowan stood to the side, never saying a word. He didn't remove his hand from the back of the chair until another guest came over to offer him a drink. "Don't stay too long. Let me know before you leave." I nodded and picked up my water glass. *** Halfway through the banquet, I got up to fetch my cloak. Lydia followed her out. Clara. She stopped under the eaves, her gaze first falling on my left hand, then quickly shifting away. "You saw what's in Theta, right? I just thought it was too empty there and wanted Rowan to be more comfortable. I didn't expect it to upset you." "My bow has already been taken away." “I didn’t intend to throw it away; I just wanted someone to put it away for now.” "Ask me first before you touch my things in the future." She pursed her lips, her smile somewhat forced. Are you still upset that I took your seat? I looked at her. Laughter drifted through the doorway from the hall. Rowan was talking to a guest and didn't look in their direction. Lydia turned around following my gaze, then lowered her voice. "Actually, you don't need to be so nervous. Rowan said that he is very grateful to you for taking care of the wolf pack all these years." gratitude. My fingers slowly tightened around the cloak. Seeing that I didn't speak, she moved a little closer. "You two became partners because you were the best person to help him with these things, right?" "That's what he told you?" Lydia paused slightly. "He just said that you've always been very capable, and he can only feel at ease leaving many things to you. I thought you two were already used to this kind of relationship." Looking at her, I suddenly understood why she insisted on coming out with me tonight. My things can be put into storage, and a seat can be temporarily added to my place. Now, even that four-year partnership is being portrayed as something else entirely. “I agreed to be his partner, not to take care of his problems for the rest of my life.” Lydia's smile faded. "You've misunderstood. I didn't mean anything by it, it's just..." She lowered her eyes and gently fiddled with the gold chain on her wrist. “I used to be so close to Rowan, I’m not used to him having someone else around him.” I stared at the gold chain he had fastened for her yesterday, and after a moment, I loosened my grip on the cloak. “We’ve been partners for four years, Lydia.” She looked up. "You're only now realizing you need to get used to it." Her lips moved, as if she wanted to explain. I put on my cloak and walked out the door. Lydia suddenly called out to me from behind. "Are you really going to the beach? Rowan said you won't be staying long and will be back." I stopped in my tracks. The caravan will set off in five days. It turns out that he not only decided where I would sit tonight, but also what I would do after I left. I turned to look at her. "That's what he said." "I never agreed to that."

Lydia looked at me for a while, then suddenly took two steps forward. "So, you really want to go out for a walk?" She reached out to take my arm. I turned to the side, shielding my injured left wrist under my cloak. Her hand froze in mid-air, then she casually withdrew it. "I thought you would blame me for keeping Rowan occupied for too long." "It was he who kept you." The wariness in Lydia's eyes gradually faded. “You have no idea how scared I was before I came back.” She lowered her head, her voice becoming soft. “My husband died, and I couldn’t live in our old home anymore. I led those people all the way north, with no idea where else I could go.” I know all of that. The day she arrived, I had the east courtyard opened, the empty rooms cleaned up, and food and blankets delivered according to the number of people. At that time, I felt that now that she was back, she should at least have a place where she could sleep peacefully. “I only wrote Rowan one letter,” Lydia continued. “He sent someone to pick me up and told me that as long as he was there, I wouldn’t have to hide anymore.” At this point, a smile appeared on her face. “I never dared to think I could get back the things my mother left behind. But he said that those things were important to me, so it was worth sending someone to make the trip.” I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my left wrist. The wound under the bandage looked as if it had been torn open again. I rested my elbows on my sides and remained silent. Lydia, oblivious, continued recounting what he had done for her. It wasn't until the old hunting lodge on the south slope was mentioned that I looked up. "He's going to give that place to you?" "Yes. He said that once the roof is repaired and a stove is added before winter, people can live in it." She glanced at me, as if afraid I would misunderstand, and quickly added, "I can't live in West Tower forever. Once I have my own place, I won't make things difficult for you anymore." "How long does he plan to let you stay?" He said, "As long as I'm willing." The wind under the eaves stirred her skirt. I suddenly remembered the night Rowan took her into the West Tower. He said he would stay for a few days. Now, he has already made arrangements for her for the entire winter, and even longer. “You two used to be together,” I said, looking at her. “Now you want to go back to him, right?” Lydia did not answer immediately. She glanced towards the hall. Rowan was talking to a guest, and as if noticing her gaze, he looked over as well. He smiled at her. She then turned back and said softly, "I have never forgotten him." My throat tightened slightly. I knew they had a past. I knew that too when I agreed to Rowan's proposal four years ago. But at that time, it was he who chose to come to me and propose to me as his partner. I never asked him to pretend to love me. “When we used to go into the forest together, even if I was the only one falling behind, he would stop and wait for me,” Lydia said. “I’m afraid of the dark, so he would walk with me on the brighter paths. I know he has you now, and I shouldn’t keep going to see him, but he always does…” Her voice lowered. "Clara, will you hate me?" I looked at her. She has moved into our West Tower, sits beside him, and has even received his promises for the days to come. Now, she still wants a word of comfort from me. How would you like my answer? Lydia pursed her lips. "If you don't want to stay here either, could you..." She paused, then finally asked, "...stop stopping us?" I remained silent for a moment. Did you ask me when you went to see him? Her expression froze. "He didn't ask me when he went to be with you." "I did not mean that……" "Then there's no need to ask now." I held onto the pillar and waited for the pain in my wrist to subside. Lydia looked at me, and after a while, the corners of her mouth slowly turned up again. She seemed to take this as some kind of agreement. "Thank you, Clara. I know you've always been understanding of him." I didn't correct her. “And the house on the south slope.” Her tone became lighter. “Rowan said you know these things best in the castle. When it comes to adding anything and finding someone to fix it, we’ll need your help to arrange it.” I looked up. "He promised you, go find him." Lydia's smile finally stopped. This time, I didn't wait for her to speak and turned to walk down the steps. *** The coachman had already driven the carriage to the door. I had just grabbed the car door when I heard Rowan's voice behind me. "Clara, wait a minute." He came over, saw that I was supporting myself with one hand, and reached out to support my elbow. "Slow down." I used his help to sit up and whispered my thanks. Rowan's hand paused for a moment. Lydia followed behind him, standing on the steps. "Will you come back?" she asked. “You go up first,” Rowan said. “I’ll take Clara.” He then boarded the carriage. I said to the driver, "Go to Mei's place." The wheels rolled over the stone road, and the voices from inside the castle gradually faded into the distance. Rowan took a folded blanket and placed it under my left arm. Would this be better? "Um." He did not let go immediately. He stared at me for a long time in the dimly lit carriage. “It was my oversight tonight. I didn’t expect her to be sitting there.” I looked at him. He pulled out the chair for Lydia, and he held her shoulder as she stood up. Rowan avoided my gaze and added in a low voice, "I'm just afraid of embarrassing her in front of so many people." "I know." He seemed to be speechless for a moment, as if blocked by those three words. He spoke again only after the carriage rounded the stone wall. "Once the house on the south slope is repaired, I'll let her move there. The west tower will be restored to its original state." "You've already agreed to be with her?" "Yes. We need to find her a stable place to live." He paused, then softened his voice. “You’re familiar with these things. Just give the manager a few instructions later. You don’t need to go there yourself.” I slowly pulled my hand out of his palm. "I won't arrange this for you." Rowan was stunned. "I know your hand isn't healed yet. We'll wait until you're a bit better..." "It has nothing to do with the injury on my hand." The carriage fell silent. I looked at him and finished speaking. “You promised to take care of her, so take care of her yourself. Don’t leave these things to me anymore.” He leaned back in his seat, his brow furrowing. After a long silence, he said in a low voice, "You're still angry." I did not answer. He reached out to touch my face, but in the end he only pulled my cloak tighter around me. "Clara, you've always been my partner. That won't change just because someone comes back." If I had heard this before, I would have asked him, "If that's the case, why can't you stay with me a little longer? Why do you always make me wait?" Now, I only glanced out the window. The lights were already on in Mei's cottage. "arrive." Rowan followed me out of the car and helped me walk down the stone steps in front of the door. “Once she’s settled, we’ll have a proper talk,” he said softly. “If you want to go to the beach, I can go with you. Give me some time to settle things here—” I took a key out of my pocket with my right hand. It's the key to the West Tower's bedroom. Here, take this back. Rowan did not answer. "You can keep it." "I've moved all my things out." His gaze shifted from the keys to my face. "Clara, you're just going out to recuperate temporarily. You'll need it when you come back." Mei's footsteps could be heard from inside the house. I put the key in his palm and pulled my hand back. "That's enough for tonight. Mei is still waiting for me to change her dressing." The door opened, and warm light fell on my shoulders. Rowan stood outside the door, still holding the key. "When you come back, we'll—" Goodnight, Rowan. This time, I didn't wait for him to finish speaking.

Rowan came again early the next morning. I was sitting in Mei's courtyard, fastening my cloak with my right hand. He knelt down and straightened the clasp that was stuck. "How about I go home with you today?" I stepped back a little. Why did you suddenly think of this? “You’ve been looking unhappy these past few days.” He looked up at me. “Going back to see your parents might make you feel better.” I didn't respond. He added, "Your mother sent a message this morning. Your father is ill, and she requests that Mei go and visit him." "Are you sick?" I immediately stood up, my left wrist slammed against the back of the chair, and the pain made me gasp for breath. Rowan put his arm around my shoulder. "Don't worry, they said they have a fever and a cough. Mei is preparing medicine. I'll take you home first, and she'll be there soon." I turned around and went to Mei to confirm. She was already packing her medicine kit, and when she saw me, she nodded. "You go first. I'll bring all the medicine and be back soon." *** The carriage traveled north along the old road by the woods. Rowan didn't bring any attendants today and sat beside me the whole way. When we encountered bumpy sections, he would ask the driver to slow down in advance. As he passed by the stream, he lifted the curtain. "Do you remember this place? When you were little, you always followed me into the woods. Once you got lost and cried so much that you refused to leave." I looked out the window. The large, tilted rock by the stream is still there, and grass grows in the cracks between its rocks. "I'm not lost." Rowan turned around. "Lydia took the wrong turn. I'll go back to find you and lead you around the creek." He paused for a moment, then smiled. "It's been so long, I've gotten confused." But not long after, he pointed to an oak tree in the distance. "That year, Lydia wanted to pick the fruit, but her skirt got caught on a branch, and she refused to get down. That blue skirt was one her mother had just made for her..." He stopped halfway through his sentence. I lowered the curtain. He remembered the color of the dress, but he mistook the person who helped them find their way for a little girl he needed to take home. "Clara, I didn't mean to bring her up." "Let's go home first." Father is still waiting for Mei. I no longer have the strength to help him figure out who is standing in those memories. *** The mother stood at the gate of the courtyard, while the father, wearing a thick coat, sat on a chair by the gate. Upon seeing me, he tried to stand up, but instead bent over, coughing so hard his shoulders and back trembled. "dad." I quickly went over and supported him with my right hand. His hands were frighteningly hot. Rowan also came over and helped him pull up his coat that had slipped down. "Mei will be here soon. Please go in and rest." My mother's face changed when she saw my bandages. "What happened to your hand—" Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the courtyard. One of the guards pulled on the reins and dismounted. “Alpha, Miss Lydia went to check on the house on the south slope and fell down the steps.” Rowan immediately turned around. Where are they? "We've helped her inside. Her feet hurt, she can't walk, and she's been looking for you." He let go of his father's hand. "I'll go there." The mother froze: "Rowan, lunch is ready. You should at least wait for Mei—" "Clara is here." He turned to me, his tone urgent. “I’ll come back after I’ve seen her. You explain to your parents for me.” I glanced at my father, who was still coughing. "Leave the carriage." "good." He had barely finished speaking when he walked out of the courtyard gate. A moment later, a gray wolf leaped over the low wall beside the road and quickly disappeared into the woods. The father looked in that direction and slowly withdrew his hand from the armrest of the chair. “Let’s go inside,” he said. “It’s cold outside.” *** My father's condition was worse than the message had described. He barely slept last night; he coughed as soon as he lay down, and couldn't retain the water he drank. His mother initially thought it was just a cold, but by morning she discovered he needed support even to walk to the door. I asked my neighbor for help to get him to bed, and then asked the driver to pick up Mei along the way. But the person who returned didn't bring Mei with him in the car. "Luna, Alpha met her at the crossroads and told her to go to the south slope first." I suddenly looked up. Does she know how sick my father is? The driver shook his head. "Alpha said that your father's illness is a recurring one and that he has family members to take care of him. It's more important to see Miss Lydia first." Another bout of rapid coughing broke out in the room. The mother supported the father and called his name twice. He kept his eyes closed and didn't respond for a while. I gripped the car door, my knuckles turning white little by little. "Take me to the south slope." *** The door to the hunting lodge was open. When I went in, Lydia was sitting by the fireplace, her skirt pulled up to her ankles. There's some redness and swelling there. Rowan squatted down in front of her, supporting her feet with one hand and holding the blanket for her with the other. Mei stood to the side, closing her medicine box. "No bones or muscles are injured," she said. "Just move around less for the next couple of days and apply cold compresses." “But she’s still in pain.” Rowan frowned. “Take another look.” Rowan. My voice made everyone in the room look up at the same time. Mei saw my expression and immediately came over. How is your father? "He had a high fever and was coughing so badly he couldn't breathe. I called him just now, and it took him ages to respond." Mei's face darkened, and she picked up her medicine box. "Walk." Rowan stood up and stepped in front of him. "Lydia hasn't done it yet—" "Her injuries have already been examined." Mei did not stop. I stood in front of him, and for the first time, I didn't lower my voice. "You saw what my father looked like. Why did you send Mei here first?" Lydia gripped the blanket tightly and whispered, "It was because I was in a lot of pain that Rowan..." I didn't look at her. I'm waiting for Rowan's answer. His jaw tightened. “I didn’t know your father was so seriously injured. She fell down the steps all by herself, and there were no relatives with her. I couldn’t just ignore her.” "So you're deciding for Mei who can wait?" "Clara, now is not the time to argue about this." "right." I stepped aside to let Mei go out first. "Not now. So stop stopping her." Rowan reached out to pull me, but all he touched was a thick bandage under his cloak. He let go. “I’ll go back with you.” "Rowan..." Lydia held onto the back of the chair and tried to stand up, but sat back down because of the pain in her feet. His gaze immediately turned to that direction. I stood by the door and saw him take that step out of the way without thinking. “You go first,” he said. “I’ll settle her in—” I turned and got into the carriage. This time, I didn't even hear the end of that sentence. *** In the evening, my father finally slept more soundly. Mei stayed behind to look after her mother, reminding her not to leave her unattended at night. She didn't say that she was better, only that she was temporarily stable and that she still needed to keep a close watch on her. I sat on the edge of the bed and wiped the sweat from my father's forehead. My right hand kept shaking, and I couldn't even wring out a cloth. My mother took it from me and then took my left hand. "Now tell me, how did you get this injury?" I looked at her, and suddenly I couldn't say a word. She didn't urge me, she just pushed my sleeves up a little. There were still traces of silver burns on the skin exposed at the edge of the bandage. "Is he with you?" the mother asked. My tears immediately fell. These past few days, no matter how painful the dressing changes were, I've never felt this unbearable. "No." My mother held my hand and remained motionless for a long time. I told her what happened at the river mouth, including Lydia moving into the West Tower, and the night I saw Rowan kiss her through the open door. This time, I didn't add the comment, "He also has his difficulties." After hearing this, the mother's eyes reddened. Why didn't you tell us? “I used to think that if I just waited a little longer, he would remember what he had promised.” The father's hoarse voice came from the bed. "And now?" I looked up. He's awake and looking at me. I wiped away my tears with the back of my hand. "We can't wait any longer." My father looked at me for a long time before slowly reaching out his hand. I placed my uninjured right hand into his palm. “I have found lodging on the west coast and have something to do. I have paid for the journey and my luggage is with the caravan.” "If Mei allows me to go, I will leave in four days." My mother lowered her head and gently tidied my hair, which was wet with tears. The father did not ask Rowan whether he agreed or not. He only asked, "What else do you need us to do?" I gripped his hand tightly. "Before I leave, I will end my partnership with Rowan in front of the wolves." My father's fingers tightened and he held me in his hand. "good." Suddenly, the sound of wheels came from outside the door. Soon, the driver entered the courtyard carrying a basket of food. "Alpha sent it. He said he would come to visit the master once he finished his work over there." My mother looked at me. In the past, I would always try to explain things to Rowan first. This time, I stood up and pushed the basket back. "Take the things back with you." "Tell him again that we didn't leave him any dinner."

That night, I stayed by my father's bedside and didn't look at the courtyard gate again. If Luo Wenruo knew that he had missed the last time we would go home together, would he regret it? This thought only lingered for a moment. I have other things to do. When Finn arrived, he brought with him the caravan's itinerary. "Four days later, at dawn, at the western stables. Your luggage is already packed, and a seat in the carriage has been reserved for you." He glanced at my injured hand. "Mei has given you permission to travel, so let's set off." "good." "When we get to the seaside, I'll treat you to a good meal." He smiled. "There haven't been any hot meals like in the castle along the way." I laughed too. "Hot soup is enough." After seeing Finn off, I returned to my father's bedside. He was awake, holding my hand, his voice still weak. "Don't stay just because he says a few nice words." I tucked the blanket around him. “Dad, I’m waiting for the caravan, not him.” *** I stayed at home for the last few days. My father's fever gradually subsided, and my mother made soup for him. I sat beside him and divided up the medicine that Mei had left behind. Occasionally, when I look up, I see the gray hair at my father's temples and my mother's slightly squinted eyes as she threads a needle. I used to think I had plenty of time. When Rowan is less busy, he will come back to stay for a few days; when things with the wolf pack are less troublesome, he will pick up his bow again and go to see the other side of the mountains. Four years have passed, and I've been arranging dates for him all along, while putting my own affairs off again and again. Today, those records containing the routes and village names have been handed over to Irving. My bow has already been loaded onto the vehicle heading to the seaside. On the afternoon of the third day, Mei re-examined my wound. "You can ride in a car, but you can't ride a horse, and you can't turn into a wolf and run. Once you get there, you still have to keep them." I carefully wrote it down and put the medicine packet into my bag. Rowan's message also arrived that afternoon. He said Lydia had finally moved into the house on the south slope, and he would come to pick me up once he had settled her in. Sita had already had it renovated, and my table would be put back by the window. After hearing this, I only asked the messenger to tell him: "Come to the council chamber tonight. I have something important to say." Afterwards, I tidied up the old room. A few little things I treasured from my teenage years are still in the drawer. A hairband he gave me, an old brooch, and a short note that I can't bear to throw away. My mother found me a wooden box. I put the items in one by one and asked someone to send them back to the West Tower. Then, I sat under the lamp and wrote a farewell letter. When I used to write to Rowan, I would always read it over and over again, worried that some sentences would seem too intimate or not considerate enough. This time, I didn't change it. Rowan, I'm not waiting for you anymore. "I was willing to give you my whole future. Now, I want it back." At the end, I signed my name and sealed the letter. *** Rowan didn't come that night. The person who relayed his message stood at the entrance of the council chamber, looking somewhat troubled. “Miss Lydia is still adjusting to her new place. Alpha said that she should take care of whatever needs to be done first, and he will listen to her when he returns tomorrow.” I glanced at the empty chair. Irving asked in a low voice, "Should we send someone else?" "No." My mother stood beside me. I turned to the people in the hall with whom I usually discussed matters and finished speaking what I had prepared. I will no longer assume Luna's responsibilities. The handover has been completed. From this day forward, I will no longer be Rowan's partner. Some people tried to persuade me to wait for him to come back. I shook my head. "I invited him over." Before leaving the council chamber, I handed the letter to my servant and asked him to deliver it to Rowan. Whether Rowan is willing to listen this time or not will not change my decision. *** The next morning, my father saw me off at the gate of the courtyard. He couldn't stand for long, so his mother supported him and repeatedly told me to take good care of his injured hand. I hugged them, and tears still fell. My father patted me on the back. "Come back if you miss home. We'll always keep a room for you here." "good." Beside the western stables, the caravan was ready to depart. Finn opened the car door for me. I held onto the car frame with my right hand and slowly sat down on the cushioned seat. Clothes, maps, savings, and a bow were all in the car. The road to the West Coast is long, but there I have a job and a place to stay prepared for me. As the wheels began to turn, I took one last look at the castle. The windows of the West Tower were still dark. I lowered the curtain and didn't wait any longer. *** It was almost noon when Rowan returned from the south slope. Lydia was all settled in. He was finally able to find the time to pick up Clara. Before returning, he specially asked the kitchen to prepare her favorite soup, thinking that he would have a meal with her first and then talk about the unpleasant things that had happened in the past few days. She was genuinely angry this time. But over the past four years, after each argument, they have always managed to return to their old ways. Rowan pushed open the door to the West Tower. The table by the window has been moved back, and the chairs have been put back in their original positions. He took two steps inside, but suddenly stopped. There was no map on the table. The bow wasn't on the wall. The bedside table was empty, and Clara's usual cloak was not on the clothes hook. He knew she had moved the suitcase and that she was going to the beach. But only at this moment did he realize that none of the things she left behind were things she would still use after she returned. "What about her books?" he asked the maid who had followed him in. "Did she take them with her too?" "Yes, Alpha." The waitress placed a wooden box on the table. "She brought this back from her parents' house." Rowan opened the box. A hairband, a brooch, and a few short notes that he himself had almost forgotten about. All of these were things he had given away. His hand froze on the edge of the box. The letter that was delivered last night was still inside the cloak. The servant said that Clara asked him to see for himself. He was having dinner with Lydia at the time, thinking that it would be better to coax her in person than to hear her angry through a letter. Rowan abruptly took out the letter and tore open the seal. His expression changed after reading only the beginning. "Irving!" The noise startled the people outside the door. Irving arrived quickly. Where is Clara? "I left with the caravan this morning." "Send men to go after her." Rowan gripped the letter tightly. "Bring Luna back." Irving didn't move. Rowan looked up. "Didn't you hear me?" "Alpha, last night she publicly resigned from her position as Luna and also announced the end of her partnership with you." The room fell eerily quiet for a moment. Rowan opened his mouth. Irving looked at the letter in his hand and added the last sentence in a low voice. "She didn't go out for a walk to clear her head." "She has no intention of coming back."