Chapter 2

02

Moon-Shadow Ridge was the same as ever―desolate and barren.

Elder Silas stood beside me, shaking his head as I used my magic to sustain the dying plants.

"My Lady, the corruption leaking from the Hollow is increasing. Even with your power, this is only a temporary fix."

"Besides, your body is still recovering from your injuries. You should inherit the throne sooner."

Watching the grass turn green again, I exhaled a breath of stale air.

"In seven days, I will take the throne."

Six years ago, I was too reckless with my training and accidentally fell from the Ridge into the lower realm's Silver Spire.

Cillian found my original form, watered me, and healed my wounds.

Even after I took human shape, he took care of me, personally feeding me even though I didn't need to eat.

He was always so tender. I was a goddess born without a heart for romance, yet I fell for him.

I even blocked the fatal lightning strike during his immortal trial.

I lied to him, saying I got hurt while playing, because I didn't want him to worry.

I never expected Elara would take the credit for my sacrifice.

I certainly didn't expect them to be fooling around under my nose for all these years.

The old Willow Spirit at the gate told me he knew they were a pair since they first arrived.

I was just too blinded by my own feelings to notice he had someone else in his heart.

Everyone around the spire knew Cillian loved Elara. I was the only one kept in the dark.

No wonder the other immortals looked at me with mockery and pity.

They mocked my stupidity for giving everything to a man who didn't love me.

They pitied me because I was being scammed, and my core was about to be ripped out.

The Willow Spirit hesitated.

"Master Cillian is currently looking for you quite desperately."

Why is he looking for me? To carve out my core?

But I'm not a shifter. I don't even have the kind of core he thinks I do.

I returned to the lower realm. The corruption from the Hollow had already spread everywhere.

Seeing me arrive, Cillian's eyes darkened as he walked to my side.

"Where have you been these past few days? Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

I brushed him off with a flick of my sleeve.

"We have no relation. Why were you looking for me?"

I had no desire to argue. I only wanted to gather the corruption and take it back to the Ridge for purification.

Elara stepped forward and grabbed his hand, as if marking her territory.

"The Master was just worried about you. With this corruption spreading, he'd have to save you if you were careless."

"He save me?"

I let out a cold laugh, glancing at their intertwined fingers.

"I don't need his help."

Feeling like he had lost face, Cillian pulled his hand away and dragged me to the side.

"I never agreed to our breakup," he whispered.

I looked at Elara in the distance with a smile.

Cillian followed my gaze and tried to justify himself.

"She was injured protecting me. I have to repay her."

So, for her sake, I should be stripped of my power and turned back into a flower?

"Stop being jealous over nothing. Go back to the spire and stay inside. I'll explain everything once I deal with this corruption."

I pushed him away as he tried to lean in, my voice turning harsh.

"Cillian, why didn't I notice how hypocritical you were before?"

His pupils shrank. He didn't expect me to be so sharp in exposing him.

"Stop this nonsense. Come back with me now!"

Since everyone was watching, he suppressed his anger and tried to lead me away.

I ignored him, pulled my hand back, and turned to leave.

Who has time for his drama?

Inheriting the throne and sealing the Hollow were the only things that mattered.

Wait, I almost forgot.

The day I take the throne is the same day they plan to take my core.

The ritual for my ascension needed my focus. Since Cillian said he'd handle the corruption, I was happy to let him.

But as I turned to leave, I suddenly lost consciousness.

Everything went blurry, and I only saw Cillian's frowning face.

"Liora… forgive me."