In the dim forest, moonlight filtered through layers of leaves, spilling down in pale silver ribbons.
More than a dozen silver-haired males lingered beneath towering trees—some leaning lazily against the trunks, others seated on low roots, their presence quiet yet imposing.
Yanai rushed toward them, his figure cutting swiftly through the shadows.
"Father—you've finally arrived."
"What did you call us here for?" Aron asked, brows lifting slightly in suspicion. Then, with a testing tone, he added, "Don't tell me you've changed your mind… and are finally willing to marry the Spirit Princess?"
This troublesome son had been avoiding them all this time—yet now he'd come looking for them on his own.
If he really had changed his mind, that would be for the best. At least their wolf clan wouldn't have to bear the disgrace of breaking a promise.
"No." Yanai's voice was cold and firm. "Forget about the Spirit Princess. Even if you beat me to death, I wouldn't marry her."
Not before.
