Chapter 2

"Mommy, let big sister have Callum, the Fae Deer. Please don't argue with big sister because of Delilah. Delilah only wants Finn, the Carp, that's all."

Delilah held Finn, smiling sweetly and innocently.

My mother, for once, didn't scold me. Her brow furrowed with worry. "Delilah, are you sure you want Finn, the Carp? Choosing a Spirit Mate isn't a game."

She knew Delilah was arrogant, always wanting the best. How could she possibly give up Callum for Finn?

A flicker of disgust crossed Delilah’s eyes. She knew Callum was better than Finn; in her past life, she'd chosen Callum and nearly died. This time, it would be my turn.

"Mommy, Delilah wants Finn, the Carp."

Delilah cast a mocking glance my way, as if she already foresaw my death.

But she never considered that if she hadn't forcefully pushed Callum to advance, with the Fae Deer's natural aptitude, he never would have failed and gone mad.

Finn's transformation into a legendary Koi in my hands was never about luck. It was an Apex State opportunity I'd fought tooth and nail to secure for him.

Yet, that ungrateful creature, before I even died, used his Koi abilities to sever our bond.

If he hadn't forcefully drained that last thread of life from me, that knife strike wouldn't have been fatal.

My mother couldn't argue with Delilah, so she turned her gaze to me.

"See how sensible your sister is? She's letting you have Callum. You're the elder sister, so you should share half of your Empowering Relics with her. The Carp clan needs delicate nurturing."

So, she knew. She knew the Carp clan needed delicate nurturing.

A dull ache squeezed my heart.

In my past life, my mother had never once mentioned it.

Instead, every word was about Finn being useless, urging me to give my Empowering Relics to Delilah.

She never loved me. Whether I chose Finn or Callum, she would never love me.

If that's the case, then I'll have neither!

I walked to the very end, picking up the Black Wolf, Dax, who no one had bothered with.

This life, I wanted a Spirit Mate who was loyal, fierce, and utterly devoted.

Not that ungrateful creature who severed our bond before I even died.

Holding Dax, my voice was cold and clear. "Mother, I don't want what my sister discards. And no, I won't be sharing any Empowering Relics."

"You always used to share half with your sister! Who has poisoned your mind, making you forget sisterly love!"

My mother's reprimands never bothered with time or place.

The others in Our Order even snickered.

I raised my head, which had always been bowed in her presence. My usually gentle eyes now held a sharp edge. "You did, Mother."

She was the one who, with my death, taught me that so-called blood ties and affection were nothing more than this.

"Rowan, you'll regret this! Finn will definitely become the legendary Koi! Mom, Delilah will honor you!"

I strode away with Dax, Delilah's taunting voice echoing behind me.

I ignored it.

Just wait. Without me as the scapegoat, they’d be forced to scrimp and save just to provide for Finn.

Without a constant supply of potent Empowering Relics, Finn would struggle even to leave the water. Even if a great opportunity arose, Delilah wouldn't have the means to seize it.