As Vina was about to follow the Elf she had seen earlier, a hand blocked her path, halting her movement. She stood still for a moment, then slowly turned around to find Cander, his face etched with suspicion.

“Quick, find that creature now,” Cander's command startled her.

The large man behind Cander immediately transformed into a wolf and dashed off. Vina looked at Cander, who took her hand with a rough grip. Despite her efforts to free herself, her strength felt insignificant against his.

She observed Lena and Lathan dancing harmoniously, but Cander continued walking, leading her silently. They entered the palace and proceeded to a room. Upon entering, Cander quickly locked the door and pocketed the key.

“Cander, let go… my hand hurts,” Vina pleaded through the pain.

“What did I tell you? Don’t wander near the forest. It’s dangerous,” Cander’s voice was sharp, piercing her heart.

“I only heard the sound of a flute,” she explained honestly.

“That sound signals danger. You can’t leave this room until nightfall. The guards will be stationed outside this door. Wait for me,” Cander ordered, and Vina was shocked by his harsh treatment.

“No. I’m going out now. I want to see my aunt!” she protested and attempted to bypass him.

Before she could take two steps past Cander, he grabbed her left hand with an even tighter grip, causing her intense pain. She closed her eyes, struggling to hold back tears.

“If you leave this room… I will break both your legs. Just this once, do as I say!” Cander's voice brooked no argument.

“You’re hurting me, Cander,” Vina said through clenched teeth, tears beginning to flow down her cheeks.

Slowly, Cander released her hand, revealing the blue bruises that had formed. Vina cradled her hand, her tears continuing to fall. Cander tried to approach her, but she instinctively recoiled.

“Don’t come any closer,” she said, her voice trembling with fear, yet she tried to appear strong.

“Honey, I… I didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Cander said, taking a step back.

“No, don’t come closer. I don’t want you near me,” Vina insisted, pushing against his chest.

“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to hurt you. I just don’t want you to be harmed by creatures like them,” Cander said, holding her shoulders.

“I said don’t touch me…” Vina struggled again, but it was futile.

“I beg you. I’m sorry, honey,” Cander pleaded, wrapping her in a tight embrace.

“Hikss… hikss… let me go,” Vina’s resistance waned as she had no strength left to fight back, feeling weak.

“I’m truly sorry… I promise I’ll never do this again,” Cander’s voice was earnest as he held her close. His words were the last thing Vina heard before everything went dark.

---

**Cander’s POV**

Suddenly, Vina’s struggles ceased. I loosened my grip and saw her faint. I carefully placed her on the bed, my tears mingling with sweat. Her face was pale as I kissed her forehead and stroked her hair, holding her close.

“Honey, I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m just afraid of losing you. What if a fairy or something like that is a messenger from William? What if I can’t see you tomorrow or the day after?” I admitted my fear, recalling William’s bloody figure and his hatred towards me.

“I don’t want William’s plans to come to fruition. I won’t allow anyone to harm you,” I promised, kissing her forehead again.

“If anything happens to you, Vina… I’ll die. William is a Vampire with a ruthless streak; he’ll kill anyone to satisfy his desires,” I said, remembering William’s menacing figure.

“Our Alpha can’t find the intruder,” Harry’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Have you and the others searched everywhere?” I asked.

“We’ve searched to the edge of the Vampires' border. The intruder is a Fairy, but we don’t know who sent it,” Harry responded hesitantly.

“Understood… don’t let your guard down. Keep watch over every corner of this forest,” I instructed, my gaze returning to Vina’s beautiful face.

“Okay, Alpha,” Harry replied before ending the conversation.

---

**Night**

Standing on the edge of a cliff, I held a small knife and stared at a dead man below. Tears streamed down my face as my heart ached, feeling numb.

I aimed the knife at my heart and drove it into my chest. The pain was unbearable, and I could barely speak. My legs gave way, and I sank to the ground, clutching the knife. My breathing was labored, and I struggled to inhale.

“What are you doing?” Cander’s voice made me turn to him.

He looked different from what I was used to, his body not as solid as usual. The tattoo around his neck was missing, and his eyes widened at the sight of the blood seeping from my dress.

“What… what are you doing? You’re crazy,” Cander knelt and pulled the knife from my chest.

“My… my father died. I… I want to die with him. I don’t want to live without him,” I said, my own words unfamiliar to me.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOU BITCH!” A ferocious growl came from behind us. I opened my eyes to see Cander’s face, still smiling at me. I was relieved if it was just a dream, but it felt so real. I hugged Cander tightly, overwhelmed by fear. He returned the embrace, rubbing my back.

“What’s wrong, dear? Did you have a bad dream?” Cander asked gently.

“I… I’m scared!” I trembled.

“I’m here, baby. Don’t be afraid. Are you afraid of me?” Cander asked, loosening his hug.

“No… I’m not afraid of you,” I replied softly.

“Then what are you afraid of?” Cander asked, looking into my eyes and wiping my sweat.

“I… I don’t know,” I sobbed, and Cander hugged me again.

“It’s okay, it was just a dream. Don’t be scared. If anyone hurts you, I’ll do everything to make them pay,” he murmured, calming me slightly.

“Trust me… you’re safe with me. I wouldn’t do anything as foolish as I did this afternoon,” Cander continued.

“I trust you!” I assured him.