Chapter 3

03.

The little butterfly raised a silver needle, determined to gouge out her core for me.

I immediately stopped her.

My life was worthless. Why drag an innocent soul down with me?

She wept hysterically, swearing she would take her own life if I died.

In the end, we reached a compromise. She sliced her palm and fed me drops of her heart blood, barely keeping my breath tethered to my body.

My frail body gained a tiny spark of warmth.

A wave of bitter irony washed over me. The husband and daughter I had loved with all my soul for five centuries were not even worth a butterfly spirit I had saved on a whim.

My faith in Garrett was completely gone.

All I wanted was to leave the Dragon Palace forever.

Yet Josie was still the child I had nearly died giving birth to. I could not abandon her without saying goodbye.

After a moment of hesitation, I took out my Merfolk Soul Pearl and dragged my trembling legs toward Josie's chambers.

I wanted to leave the pearl with her.

As long as she wore it, I would be able to sense her location and protect her from danger, no matter how far away I was.

Josie was not in her room.

The maid told me she had gone to visit Lady Chloe.

Every step I took felt like walking on jagged blades.

The little butterfly urged me to rest, but I had to see my daughter one last time.

Dragging my battered body, I practically crawled to the entrance of the main palace. Before I could knock, cheerful laughter drifted from inside.

Chloe was leaning gracefully in Garrett's embrace, wrinkling her nose at a bowl of dark herbal medicine.

"Garrett, what is this? It smells so fishy."

Garrett gently patted her back. "It is the mermaid heart scale."

"It may smell bad, but only this can cure your nightmares once and for all."

Chloe feigned shock, covering her mouth with her delicate hands.

"This is my sister's heart scale?"

"A mermaid cannot survive without it! No, I cannot drink this…"

Garrett sneered with utter contempt. "I gave her the Rainbow Cloak. She will not die."

"Chloe, your health is the only thing that matters. Drink it for the future of our realm."

After a few weak protests, Chloe drank the broth brewed from my heart scale.

Worried about the bitter aftertaste, Garrett personally fed her candied fruit.

Even my daughter, Josie, stood by the bed holding the treat box, carefully picking out the sweetest pieces for Chloe with an eager smile.

"Auntie Chloe, eat this one."

Savoring the sweet fruit, Chloe urged them with false concern, "My sister must be very weak after losing her scale. You should go check on her instead of staying here with me."

"If she finds out, she will be heartbroken again."

Josie frowned deeply, pouting in disgust. "Why bother with her? She is always whining!"

"She is nothing like you, Auntie Chloe. You are in pain, yet you still think of others. I wish you were my real mother."

Garrett chimed in with approval, "Your ascension is right around the corner. You are our top priority."

"As for Calla… she is jealous and wicked. She is not worth mentioning!"

My world spun. Even though I knew Garrett despised me, hearing those words shattered whatever remained of my heart.

I turned to leave, but my shaking body knocked against the doorframe, making a dull thud.

Instantly, the people inside snapped their heads toward the door.

"Who is there?"