Chapter 2

2.

Lysander returned to Mount Ruin for three days and brought a Moon Rabbit spirit back to Kaia Manor.

The rabbit spirit appeared pitiful and frail, her body covered in bloody wounds.

Lysander explained: “At the foot of Mount Ruin, this little rabbit clung to me. She was mauled by spirit beasts and wouldn't have survived. Out of pity, I stepped in to save her, but she insisted on repaying the favor and followed me all the way back.”

As he spoke, the rabbit shifted into human form―a breathtakingly delicate young woman.

I thought nothing of it at first and offered to let her stay at Kaia Manor as an attendant.

Lysander’s smile instantly froze, his face filled with disbelief. “Kaia, you have always been the most kind-hearted. Selene comes from humble origins; would you really reduce her to a servant? With her weak spiritual power, she will surely be bullied by the other palace maids.”

Selene leaned softly against him, her eyes welling with tears. “I have been mistreated my entire life. The Sovereign promised me a safe haven, yet you wish to treat me as a slave?”

I frowned, unable to understand their reasoning. “There are tens of thousands of attendants in the High Heavens. Do you consider all of them lowly slaves?”

“Besides, you saved her life, but she cannot stay in Kaia Manor without a proper identity.”

Tears streamed down Selene’s cheeks as she dropped to her knees before me. “Lady Kaia, I know my place is humble, but I know that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. The Sovereign saved my life, and I only wish to serve at his side. I ask for no rank or title, only the chance to repay my debt!”

Understanding their true intentions, I let out a soft laugh. “Lysander, what do you suggest?”

Lysander looked away, his tone unnatural. “Kaia, she has nowhere else to go. Please, just take her in…”

“When did I ever refuse to take her in? I clearly stated that if she wishes to stay, she may serve as an attendant.”

“Or do you intend to take her as your consort?”

A chill settled in my eyes, yet Lysander failed to notice, brightening with sudden joy. “Are you truly willing? I knew you were the most reasonable. If your mother can accept Lady Helena, you will surely get along with Selene.”

“Kaia, you know my heart belongs only to you. Giving Selene an empty title is merely to ensure she can live peacefully in the Heavens. You won't mind, right?”

Selene looked up with sheer delight and bowed to me. “Lady Kaia, everyone says you are the War God’s daughter. The War God protects the realms, and his daughter is indeed just as broad-minded. I admire you deeply!”

I remained silent. They had already made their decision while crowning me with the hollow praise of being a generous wife.

Lysander wrapped his arm tenderly around Selene’s waist, lifting her from the floor with obvious concern. “Your ankle is still injured. You must not kneel for long.”

Selene gazed at him with tearful affection, smiling softly. “For the Sovereign, I would gladly endure anything.”

I watched their affectionate display with a cold gaze, feeling the warmth in my heart drain away.

Repaying a debt of life, as it turned out, meant offering her body and devotion.

Before I could react, Lysander spoke again: “The night air is cold. I will take Selene back to her room. You should rest early as well, Kaia.”

He carried Selene through the gates of Kaia Manor with long strides, never sparing me a single backward glance.

I stood frozen in place, desperately hoping he would remember that tonight was the night of the full moon.

Because of my mixed mortal and immortal bloodline, my inner energy clashed violently every full moon, causing unbearable agony. Every month, Lysander had stayed by my side, channeling his spiritual energy to help me survive the painful nights.

Yet tonight, he worried about Selene’s minor scratch and the cold evening breeze, completely forgetting my torment.

I looked up alone at the palace plaque bearing my name and laughed bitterly.

The moon once shone bright, guiding the radiant clouds home.

He had built this palace to shelter me, his radiant cloud. Now, another woman lived within its walls. The moon still shone, but the man had changed.

Since his heart had wandered, why should I cling to what was lost?