I was awake all night, my mind was racing with the revelations the divine witch had shared. Knowing my origin and the potential within me left me both exhilarated and terrified. As dawn broke, I prepared to meet someone important, my heart heavy with anticipation.
I excused the maids who were helping me get ready and sat down to read the letter from Derrick and Liam.
---
# The Letter
**Dear Eva,**
**I hope this letter finds you well. Liam and I miss you dearly. The Pack has been rebuilding, and our efforts are beginning to pay off. Our people are finding hope again, thanks to your courage and strength.**
**Liam is growing every day, and he talks about you constantly. He wanted to add his own message:**
**Hi Mommy,**
**I miss you so much. Daddy tells me stories about you being brave and strong. I want to be like you when I grow up. I drew a picture of us together; Daddy said he will send it with the letter.**
**I love you, Mommy.**
**Love, Liam.**
**We can't wait to see you again. Stay safe and know that we are thinking of you always.**
**With all my love,**
**Derrick**
---
I felt tears well up in my eyes as I read their words. I traced my fingers over Liam's drawing, feeling a rush of warmth and love. Taking a deep breath, I carefully folded the letter and placed it close to my heart.
-----------
After reading the letter, I gathered my courage and left the Palace, heading to my mother's house. My mother, Catherine, was no longer a palace maid. She now lived alone, with a few maids to assist her.
As soon as I entered, the maids greeted me warmly and called for my mother. Catherine emerged, looking elegant yet worn by time. She didn't recognize me at first, and I stood there, wrestling with a whirlwind of emotions.
"Good day, my lady. To what do I owe this visit, Luna Xanthe?" she greeted, her voice polite but distant.
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "I wanted to know about Eva Jeong Green," I said, my heart pounding.
Catherine's eyes flickered with surprise. "Eva Jeong Green... my daughter," she began, her voice softening. "She was accused of killing the old Beta. It broke my heart to see her condemned like that."
I fought back tears, my emotions swirling. "And did you believe she was guilty?"
Catherine's eyes filled with regret. "No, I never believed it. But I was too afraid to stand up for her. I was a coward."
Her words cut deep, but I needed to hear more. "Tell me about our ancestors. Was Eva a divine being?"
Catherine shook her head, her expression puzzled. "I don't know anything about that. Eva was always special, but we never spoke of divine beings. I'm sorry, my lady. I wish I could help more."
The disappointment and pain in her voice were palpable, and I could see the sorrow etched in her face. "Do you regret not standing up for her?" I asked, needing to hear her say it.
Tears filled her eyes. "Every day, I regret it. I failed my daughter when she needed me most. I live with that guilt constantly."
Hearing her admission, my heart ached. Despite my anger, I could see her pain and remorse. "Eva was innocent," I said softly. "And she has found her way back."
Catherine looked at me with wide eyes, realization dawning. "Eva? Is it really you?"
I smiled and shook my head. "Eva is doing fine in heaven. Maybe someday she will forgive you."
She gasped, the resemblance between us finally sinking in. I turned to leave, feeling the weight of our shared past lifting slightly.
As I exited, Catherine stood in shock, wondering why Luna Xanthe was interested in her daughter. She pondered if the case of the old Beta was being investigated once again after eight long years.
---
Upon returning to the Palace, I headed to the place where I had seen a strange wolf eight years ago. The memories of that night flooded back, the eerie feeling, the shadows, the fear.
I looked around the area, searching for any clues that might have been left behind. The surroundings had changed over the years, but I knew there had to be something. I scanned the ground, the walls, any place where a clue might have been hidden.
Then, my eyes caught something—a faint mark on a stone wall, almost invisible to the untrained eye. It was a symbol, ancient and powerful, one that resonated with the divine knowledge Marla had shared with me. My heart raced as I traced the symbol with my fingers.
This was the clue I had been searching for, a link to the past and a hint toward the truth. I knew now that the strange wolf from that night was connected to my destiny. The killer had left a mark, a trace of their presence, and I was determined to uncover the full truth behind it.
I stood there, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and resolve. The journey ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but I was ready to face it. The truth about my origins, the old Beta's death, and the strange wolf were intertwined, and I would not rest until I unraveled every thread.
With a deep breath, I turned and walked back to the Palace, ready to confront whatever lay ahead.
As soon as I entered the main gate of Palace, I made my way to Alpha Wang's chambers. My mind was racing with the implications of the mark I had found. I needed answers, and Wang was the only one who might have them.
I knocked on the door, and after a moment, Wang's deep voice called me in. He was seated at his desk, poring over some documents. He looked up as I entered, his expression curious.
"Xanthe, what brings you here?" he asked, setting the papers aside.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Alpha Wang, I found something earlier, and I need your help identifying it."
He raised an eyebrow. "What did you find?"
I walked over to his desk and placed a piece of parchment on it, where I had sketched the symbol I had found. "This mark," I said, pointing to the drawing. "Do you recognize it?"
Wang leaned forward, studying the symbol intently. His eyes narrowed in concentration. "This looks familiar," he said slowly. "But I can't place it right now. Where did you find it?"
"I came across it while exploring the old parts of the Palace," I lied smoothly. "I thought it might be important."
Wang looked up at me, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Why is it important?"
I stood there not knowing the kind of lie to tell him.