At the Moon Goddess Spring, Finn floated face-up in the water, eyes tightly closed.

"FINN!!!"


Ella's heart felt like it was being torn apart. If she hadn't been so careless, Finn wouldn't be in danger. Without hesitation, she rushed toward the water.

A strong arm caught her from behind. "It's dangerous," Caden said, his warm palm steadying her. "I'll go. Don't worry—the Wolf King's son won't die so easily."

Caden raised his right hand, which emitted a golden light. The light surrounded Finn like a cocoon, gently lifting him from the water and placing him on the grass.


Ella gathered the unconscious boy in her arms. "I'm so sorry, Finn. Mom will never leave you alone again."

The tears in her eyes pierced Caden's heart. "Who did this?" he demanded.


"Nova Klein! It was her!"

Caden's authority filled the air. "Marcus, gather everyone. I'm calling a pack meeting to identify the culprit."

Marcus was shocked. Pack meetings were reserved for major events or ceremonies.

"Yes, Alpha."

——

In the meeting hall, Nova walked in under everyone's scrutiny and bowed respectfully. "Alpha, I heard you were looking for me?"

Ella trembled with rage. She strode to Nova and slapped her hard across the face. "You tried to kill my child!"

Caught off guard, Nova clutched her cheek, her features twisting. "You bitch! How dare you—"

The next second, her demeanor changed completely. Her eyes filled with tears as she said pitifully, "Miss Ella, I never harmed Finn."

"You lied to me and took Finn to the Moon Goddess Spring, claiming it would ease his growing pains," Ella said, shaking with emotion.

"Please don't slander me." Nova raised her tear-filled eyes. "Do you have witnesses? The estate is vast—did anyone see this? Miss Ella, I know you've always resented me. Perhaps you pushed Finn into the water yourself to frame me."

Witnesses? Ella thought back. There had been no one else around—just the three of them.

"Even though you're the Alpha's human pet, I won't let you treat me this way. Alpha, please give me justice."

Her words set off whispers among the gathered werewolves. Nova's pitiful expression evoked their sympathy.

Moreover, Ella was just a human—how dare she treat a werewolf this way?

Someone called out to Caden: "Alpha, humans are treacherous and cunning. Don't be deceived by her lies."

Caden sat on his raised throne, brows furrowed. Though he wanted to help Ella, he needed evidence.

"Ella, think carefully. Was there truly no one else present?"

Ella shook her head, catching Nova's smug smile. Nova leaned close to Ella's ear and whispered so only she could hear: "I made sure we were alone. Give up and get out of this manor now!"

Would Finn's suffering go unpunished?

Throughout the hall, accusatory gazes fixed on Ella. They were werewolves—why would they believe a human?

Though Caden was the child's father, he was also the pack's king. He couldn't make arbitrary judgments.

Ella sniffled, wondering if she and Finn should never have come here.

Just as despair overwhelmed her, the main doors opened. The High Priest entered, her black robes flowing around her.

"I have evidence."