I remained in his embrace for the next few minutes before he finally released me. I felt much calmer then, but the trauma of enduring so much and the realization that I was destined for an even worse fate left me feeling utterly hopeless. It was foolish of me to ever think I could be considered blessed. Holt led me to a corner and settled me onto a purple couch. Silence hung in the air for a few more minutes before I cleared my throat to address him. "If I'm a bad person, shouldn't I die?" I whispered, my thoughts turning to my sister. She wouldn't be safe around me. "Everything I told you is written in that book," he gestured toward the book on the ground, "and I don't buy into that nonsense." He shook his head, dismissing the entire prophecy with one swift motion. "But it says--" I was silenced when he turned towards me and placed his finger gently against my lips. "It says nonsense," his remark brought a faint smile to my face. "You train wolves and you've read all these books, yet you're saying you don't believe it. Is it because you're trying to make me feel better?" I sighed, feeling sorry for myself. "No, it's because these things are complete nonsense," he reiterated, dismissing the prophecy as utter nonsense. At least someone shared my perspective. However, I was certain that others wouldn't view it the same way. "This prophecy has harmed many innocent she-wolves before, Cynthia. People have misused this information to harm and victimize the blameless. So, no, I don't believe in it. I see it as a means to rid any she-wolf with multiple mates, either out of jealousy or because the council disapproves of sharing a single she-wolf. Whatever the reason may be, I don't put any faith in it," he calmly and reasonably explained, helping me gain a better understanding of him. "But what about the others? They know about it, and they'll drag me before the council," I sighed, just contemplating how my life had been peaceful before I discovered this looming issue. Until now, I had believed I was cursed. Little did I know, I was actually a fey. "Don't worry about that. There are certain ways we can prove that a fey can find redemption," he stroked his chin before shaking his head to refocus, "Leave that to me. I'll find a way, I promise. In the meantime, please avoid getting into any trouble," he whispered with a reassuring smile. "May I ask you something?" I suddenly felt very comfortable around him. "Anything," he replied, his eyes briefly lingering on my lips before he exhaled deeply and looked ahead. "What happened to your neck?" I inquired. "This," he turned towards me again, gently tapping his fingertips on the marks. As I nodded, he smiled, although there was a glint of freshly formed tears in his eyes. "Let's just say... I'm the unfortunate man who never found love," his broken smile evoked sympathy in me. I instinctively furrowed my eyebrows and pouted, mentally expressing my empathy."I'm so sorry," I whispered, and he waved his hand, indicating that it was alright. "Did she cheat on you?" I asked foolishly. I should have stopped, as I could tell that reminding him of whatever tragedy had occurred was deeply upsetting. However, I was curious about him, given that I was now relying on him for my life. "She left me," he replied curtly. "No more questions. Let me take you home." He rose from the couch and straightened his jacket. I followed suit, and the next few minutes passed in silence. He had me collect my belongings and wait for him in the parking lot while he spoke with Liam. My heart still ached from the tears I'd shed a few moments ago. I remained fearful of what would happen once the news reached the council. Nevertheless, Holt had promised to assist me in navigating this mess somehow. Liam emerged from the academy before Mr. Holt did. Upon seeing me, he paused in his tracks, studying me for a moment before lowering his head and departing for home. I had turned my face away as a sign of disapproval for his earlier actions. Mr. Holt dropped me off at my house, and I immediately went inside to prepare dinner for my father. Flora was already there, attempting to cook. "Hey, you don't need to worry about anything," I assured her. I shifted my attention back to her, taking the spoon from her hands and nudging her aside. "Why are you wearing such a big smile?" I asked her, my own lips curving into a smile. She must have had a good day. "It is sort of a good news but I can’t tell you right now. I'll tell you later," she giggled, leaving me slightly puzzled. "Okay, weirdo!" I teased, rushing to prepare dinner for Dad. After serving the meal to my father, I noticed that he appeared disheveled, as if he'd had a confrontation with someone. "Did something happen?" I asked him softly, feeling concerned. "That guy happened," he replied, taking a bite of the omelet, then added, "Beret! He wants me to pay the rent in advance." My father scoffed at the idea, but I knew that wasn't the whole truth. "You mean paying the rent for the last few months?" I corrected him, well aware that he hadn't paid a penny in months. "Why don't you quit drinking and focus on your work, Dad? You have so much talent, and you--" I halted as soon as he raised his head and glared at me. "You want your old man to work as a laborer? Why don't you sleep with Mr. Beret in exchange for rent?" He didn't mince words, yelling at me with statements that filled Flora with disgust and fear. "Show some shame! I'm your daughter!" This time, I yelled back at him, my frustration and anger bubbling over. I was already on the brink of being labeled a fey, and now he wanted the neighbors to brand me as a prostitute for trading sex for rent.