Chapter 158

Chapter 158
Fiona's POV

Fate could be so cruel.

Before Diana had even come of age, before her wolf spirit had fully awakened, she had already begun to feel something different toward that person destined for her in the vast unknown.

But when she finally awakened her senses and followed those instincts to stand before him—

She discovered that the relationship, which had never truly begun, had already ended long ago.

Diana looked at Rasen, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.

Rasen stood there, visibly at a loss, his face flushed crimson as he stammered, "I... I'm a music teacher now at that school in the Underground City. My dream has never changed, and all this time, I've kept up the habit of writing songs for you... Sorry, I don't know what I'm saying. But anyway... I'm sorry..."

Just then, Yulia emerged from the back kitchen with a stunned expression, still clutching a dish towel in her hands, clearly shocked by the scene before her.

I gently tugged at Yulia's sleeve and whispered, "Yulia, I suggest we step out for a walk and give these young people some space."

We left the bakery, and Yulia glanced back at the closed shop door, her brow furrowed with concern. "Fiona, that girl... does she know Rasen?"

"It's a long story." I leaned against the weathered wall, gazing at the dim lights in the distance. "To be precise, they dated for a while—this was before Rasen went to the laboratory."

Yulia's expression grew more complex. "She looks like she's from a very noble family. There's something special about her bearing."

"You're right," I nodded, my gaze distant. "Diana is indeed of the noblest Arctic Wolf bloodline—a princess second only to one."

Hearing this identity, Yulia became even more anxious.

"Then we should properly send her back," Yulia's voice trembled slightly. "A princess like that shouldn't be in a place like this."

I understood Yulia's fear. She too had once been toyed with and abandoned by the lofty Black Wolf nobility, left to raise Rasen alone in destitution. For her, those glamorous aristocrats represented an unbridgeable chasm and bloody wounds.

"Yulia, Diana is different. The issues between Rasen and her have never stemmed from bloodline or class. I think you needn't worry too much. What's happening in there is a conversation between two adults—about love, about responsibility, and about the future. Let them decide for themselves."

Before Yulia could say anything more, Raymond came running over, breathless.

"Fiona," he panted, "Professor Claremont is looking for you."

"Oh? He's back in the city already?"

Professor Claremont had left a few days ago, saying he needed to secure more channels and educational resources for the Underground City.

I bid Yulia farewell and hurried off with Raymond.

"Professor, has something happened outside?" I asked urgently as soon as I entered.

"Don't worry, child. Sit." Professor Claremont gestured to the chair across from him, his gaze gentle as he looked at me. "I'm just doing a routine check on your condition. How have you been feeling lately?"

I paused, taking a moment to assess myself. "Actually, I haven't had any episodes for several months now. Before, I felt completely dependent on the library's basement, even on Alexander. Whenever I was too far from him or my emotions fluctuated too much, the pain was unbearable. But now... this lightness, this sense of being in control of everything—it's very satisfying."

I looked at him with some confusion. "Professor, is it because of those potions you've been giving me? You know I've always trusted you completely. I've never even actively asked about the ingredients in those medications—"

Professor Claremont looked at me, a flash of complex emotion crossing his eyes.

He was silent for a moment before slowly speaking. "Fiona, those were left behind by Fendia. They're just ordinary sedatives, nothing as miraculous as you might imagine."

"What?" I stood up in shock. "But..."

"The gradual stabilization of your bloodline may be due to other reasons," the professor sighed. "I think... during this trip, I may have found some clues. But I can't be certain. Based on experience alone, perhaps it has to do with the compatibility of clan bloodlines. In any case, take this book home with you and read it carefully tonight."

Professor Claremont handed me a volume—

My eyes suddenly lit up.

"This book!"

It clearly bore the label of St. Mary's Library, yet why had I never seen it there before?

"Someone placed a concealment spell on the book. I only found it by chance," Professor Claremont explained.

When darkness fell, I walked alone toward my quarters at the command base.

Passing through the square, I spotted Rasen sitting alone on a rooftop, a bottle of cheap beer in his hand, his silhouette particularly desolate.

"Rasen? What are you doing here alone? Where's Diana?"

Rasen turned his head, his eyes somewhat hollow. He tilted his head back and took a swig, his voice hoarse. "She's already gone back."

"Gone back?" I was somewhat surprised. "She didn't even come to say goodbye to me?"

"Actually," Rasen gave a bitter smile, "she didn't say goodbye to me either."

It seemed not all reunions could begin anew.

I sat down beside him. "If you want to talk about it."

"Yes, though my mother already talked to me. She personally escorted Diana out of the Underground City, then came back to the shop and lectured me for a solid hour."

Rasen stared into the distant darkness, silent for a long while before speaking. "Even without Mom saying it, I know I'm not worthy of her. But I think now isn't the time to make decisions. She should go out and finish her education, see the world beyond. When she's seen better things and can finally stop holding me in her heart, she won't have to suffer the pain of severing the bond anymore."

"But can you forget her?" I looked at him, my tone full of melancholy. "You loved her so deeply. You know the pain behind that rejection—it's bone-deep, soul-eroding."

Rasen's fingers suddenly clenched tight, the glass bottle groaning under the pressure.

"I know. So fortunately, she can love me a little less," Rasen said quietly. Suddenly, the bottle slipped from his hand and shattered with a sharp crash. He clutched his chest violently, his face turning deathly pale as he gasped for air in great, ragged breaths.

"Rasen!"

I jumped in alarm and quickly steadied him. "What's wrong? You didn't do something rash, did you? Like forcibly severing something?"

"No... it's not..." Rasen shook his head in agony, cold sweat sliding down his forehead. "I'm not that impulsive. I just don't know why, but suddenly my heart... it hurts so much."