Morning at Cander Palace...

She woke up to the sensation of someone’s hand gently pressing against her right cheek. Trying to shield herself with the blanket, she found it being pulled away. The familiar sound of laughter filled the air, accompanied by a scent she recognized. Slowly opening her eyes, she was met with Cander's handsome face, his sweet smile so close that her cheeks flushed and her heart raced as he pulled her body against his bare, muscular chest. Her nervousness intensified when he placed a soft kiss on her forehead while running his fingers through her long hair. She struggled to push him away, but he remained unmoved.

"C...Cander," she called out nervously, feeling his pinch on her cheeks.

"Yes, dear?" Cander responded, unfazed by her unease.

"I... I need to take a bath!" she replied, her voice tinged with shyness.

"Then we can shower together," Cander joked, causing her heart to skip a beat.

"Hahahaha..." Cander's laughter made her pause, blinking rapidly.

"I'm not going to do that, baby. So don't get so uptight!" Cander reassured her amidst his laughter.

"C...Cander, you’re too close. I can’t breathe," she said, and he immediately loosened his embrace.

"Haha... sorry, honey," Cander said as he settled beside her, still watching her intently.

"What’s wrong?" she asked, surprised by his sharp gaze.

"Nothing’s wrong, dear. However, I might not be able to stay with you this afternoon. I have business in the city. Don’t go into the forest alone; my two younger sisters will look after you," Cander instructed as he got out of bed.

She followed him out of the room but stumbled when Cander suddenly stopped, bumping into him. The impact was jarring, causing her to hit her nose and head. Rubbing her forehead, she winced.

Cander turned around with a smile, "Why did you follow me?"

"I'm going out," she replied nonchalantly.

"Does it hurt?" he asked, examining her nose and forehead.

Her face flushed again from his close proximity, her heart racing. Being near him made her feel like she might suffer a heart attack daily.

"N... no, just hurry and take a shower. You said you have business!" she urged.

"I promise it won’t take long, baby. I’ll be back soon. You’re safe here," Cander said, hugging her once more.

After their long embrace, she left the room and went to one of Cander’s younger siblings' rooms to borrow the bathroom and changing room. Once she completed her morning routine, she explored the palace, noticing the maids bowing respectfully, some even appearing fearful. Despite feeling like an outsider among werewolves, she was intrigued by the delicious aroma wafting through the palace. She followed the scent to what she assumed was the kitchen. Opening the door, she saw many people busy with preparations, oblivious to her presence. She sampled some delicious cupcakes, when suddenly, a loud crash and the sensation of a hand wrapping around her stomach startled her. The shock made her drop the cake, and she was quickly spun around to face the intruder.

"Are you alright, honey?" Cander’s worried voice snapped her out of her reverie.

Behind Cander, shards of broken plates covered the floor. The staff had halted their work, looking terrified, and Cander’s friends were present as well.

"Are you hurt? Is everything okay, honey?" Cander inspected her from head to toe.

"I’m fine, but what’s happening?" she asked, bewildered.

Cander remained silent, instead focusing on several large men holding a chef-like figure. The man appeared terrified, evident from the sweat dripping down his face.

"Take him to the dungeons and execute him," Cander’s order widened her eyes in shock.

"C-Cander, no! What are you doing?" she asked, appalled.

"This man intended to harm you. He’s one of the spies we’ve been tracking," Cander explained with a steely gaze.

"But... there must be a reason for his actions," she pleaded.

"That’s right. My wife and child’s lives are at stake if I don’t handle this properly," the man said, his voice trembling.

"Silence," a guard snapped, tightening his grip on the man’s neck.

"Keep him locked up in the dungeon," Cander ordered.

"Everyone, if anyone dares to harm your Luna, they must first face me."

Cander’s authoritative tone sent shivers down her spine, and the maids dared not lift their heads. Cander guided her to the dining room, where a lavish breakfast awaited. He pulled out a chair for her, and she complied, unable to meet his gaze as he gently caressed her cheek.

"Are you afraid of me, honey?" Cander asked, his voice tinged with sadness.

She looked at him, "N-no," she answered, partly lying. The truth was, she was somewhat intimidated by his intense aura when angry.

"Don’t be afraid. I would never hurt you. If I did, it would be like killing myself," he said softly.

"Why are you so concerned?" she asked in astonishment.

"Because you mean everything to me. I can’t bear the thought of anyone harming you. Everything I have, including my life, is tied to you. If something happened to you, I wouldn’t know how to continue. Honestly, I can’t live without you," Cander’s words replaced her fear with comfort.

She saw him shed tears and quickly wiped them away with her thumb. He took her hand and kissed its back.

"I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe," he promised.

Without realizing it, she leaned in and kissed Cander's right cheek. He froze, his cheeks blushing as he lifted her onto his lap.

"Cander, what are you doing? Put me down!" she exclaimed.

"No, I like it this way," he replied, burying his face in her neck.

"Ca-xander?" she questioned, uncomfortable with the position and worried about being seen.

"Darling, let’s stay like this for now. No one will see us," Cander said.

After a romantic yet tense breakfast, Cander departed with his Gemmas and two Betas. Watching from the window, she saw his sour expression fade as the car disappeared into the forest. Holding the necklace Cander gave her, she leaned against the wall, enjoying the solitude. Suddenly, she heard a melodious flute from the forest.

Looking out the window, she saw nothing but snow-covered trees. The flute sounded again, as if beckoning her. Determined, she sneaked out of the palace.

As she ventured deeper into the forest, the flute’s sound grew fainter. After nearly two hours of wandering in the seemingly endless forest, she felt exhausted. Her foot slipped on a rock, causing her to fall and bleed from her knees.

"You’re bleeding! Are you alright?" a familiar voice made her look up.

Marc, a vampire, crouched in front of her, examining the blood on her knee. She quickly covered the wound, aware of vampires’ instinctive reactions to blood.

"Don’t be afraid, Vina. I’m not going to drink your blood. I want to help you," Marc reassured her, understanding her fear.

"S-sorry, I didn’t mean to offend. I was just on guard, were you..." she began but he interrupted.

"I’m not the kind of vampire who drinks human blood. I prefer animal blood," Marc said, lifting her gently and placing her on a large rock.

"What are you doing?" she asked nervously.

"Moving too much can worsen your wound. I’m just treating it," Marc explained, applying leaves from his bag to her injury. The treatment was cold and stung, but she watched him attentively.

"What are you doing in this forest?" he asked, meeting her gaze.

"I heard a flute," she replied quietly.

"The flute? It must be the fairies!" Marc muttered.

"So they really exist?" she asked eagerly.

"Yes, they do. But how dare you enter a forest filled with werewolves and magic," Marc responded.

"B-because I live around here," she explained, searching for the right words.

"You live here?" Marc asked, surprised.

"Y-yes. Are you finished?" she tried to change the topic.

Marc looked slightly irritated but didn’t respond immediately. "I have to go now. I’m sorry I can’t escort you home. There’s something very important I need to handle. Be careful, and take this," he said, handing her a small, old wooden stick.

"What’s this for?" she asked, puzzled.

"This forest is filled with magic. If you carry this twig, the trees will guide you through the forest," Marc explained.

"Okay, thank you," she replied.

As she attempted to descend, her knees buckled, and she nearly fell. Marc caught her and, without realizing it, drew close to her face. She pushed gently on his chest.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude," Marc said nervously, pulling away.

"It’s fine," she replied awkwardly.

"I must go now. You should hurry home," Marc instructed.

She nodded, "Yes, be careful," and walked away.

"Definitely, I hope we meet again," Marc called out. She glanced back to see him vanish into the distance, leaving no trace behind.