Chapter 3

Falling into the icy lake left me somewhat injured, but I couldn't miss the Blood Moon Hunt—it was the Silver Moon Pack's oldest, most sacred tradition.

Whenever the blood-red moon rose, the entire pack would enter the deep forest to chase prey, offering sacrifice to the Moon Goddess.

It was a ritual testing strength, speed, and teamwork—the best opportunity for young werewolves to prove themselves.

So I didn't miss the hunt, even though I hadn't fully recovered.

I ran through the dense forest with the other wolves. Moonlight was sliced into countless fragments by the canopy, falling in dappled patterns on our bodies. Wind roared past our ears, carrying the scent of earth and pine needles.

Just as we were about to catch a stag, a strange scent suddenly filled the air.

It was... the smell of unfamiliar werewolves.

Before I could react, several figures burst from the darkness. Sharp claws carried lethal intent, striking directly at my throat.

An ambush!

Werewolves from another pack!

Chaos erupted instantly.

I couldn't complete my transformation in time—a lingering effect of falling in the icy lake—and could only dodge attacks in human form.

Just as the first claw was about to tear my skin, I saw a white blur flash past—

It was Lucas.

His transformation was already half-complete, his powerful body radiating dangerous energy. I thought he would block the strike for me, but he charged in another direction without looking back.

Livia's terrified scream came from that direction.

He went to save her.

And I was completely exposed to the enemy's claws.

Sharp tips gleamed in the moonlight, carrying force enough to tear flesh and blood, striking toward my chest.

In that critical moment, a blazing body suddenly blocked my path.

It was Kaine.

He took the blow with his own back. Three deep wounds opened immediately across his back, fresh blood staining his black fur.

But he made no sound of pain. Instead, he growled low, turned to sweep me into his arms, and leaped with me off a nearby cliff.

"Hold on tight!"

His voice was hoarse and urgent.

During the fall, I felt his body complete its transformation.

His massive wolf form protected me tightly, his belly warm and soft, completely shielding me from external danger.

And he himself faced the dark river below with his back.

We crashed heavily into the icy river water.

The current was rapid, nearly tearing us apart. But his front claws remained locked firmly on my shoulders, never loosening for a moment.

I don't know how long passed before we were finally washed onto a shallow bank.

Kaine climbed ashore first, then lowered his head and grabbed my collar with his teeth, dragging me up.

I lay on the bank, gasping for breath, soaking wet and shivering with cold.

He sat beside me, licking his back wounds, his dark eyes glinting faintly in the moonlight as he watched me quietly.

"Kaine..." I propped myself up, my voice trembling. "Your injuries—"

"Minor." His low wolf growl resonated in my mind through the unique telepathic connection between werewolves. "As long as you're fine."

I looked at the three wounds still bleeding on his back, an indescribable emotion surging in my heart.

In that moment, I confirmed for the first time—

When danger comes, who puts me first.

Not Lucas Whitehall, the one I once thought was my destiny.

But Kaine Blackwood, this werewolf who'd opposed me since childhood and never spoken a soft word.

His actions were more convincing than any sweet words.

"Thank you," I said softly.

His transformation gradually receded, returning him to human form. That angular face still wore its usual devil-may-care expression, but his eyes held a tenderness I'd never noticed before.

"Remember," he lowered his head until his nose nearly touched my forehead, "from now on, I'll always be by your side. No matter what happens."

Moonlight fell on his shoulders like a layer of silver holy light.

I suddenly realized that perhaps fate had arranged everything for me long ago. I'd just been too fixated on that false "destiny" to notice who was truly worth cherishing.

"Alright." I nodded gently, showing Kaine Blackwood a genuine smile for the first time.