Chapter 4

Dad held a simple farewell gathering within the territory.

When I came out of the training grounds, I saw Margaret sitting right at the center of the crowd, looking reluctant to leave.

"I never expected the draw to pick you," someone said. "As Alpha William's biological daughter, Victoria should have stepped up to protect the territory, instead of using her status to force Orion into a mate bond. Margaret, I'm so sorry for you."

"Exactly. Victoria didn't even show her face to thank you. You're the real hero here. You're going undercover, one wrong move and you could die. And she doesn't even bother to attend," another chimed in.

I saw a flash of smugness flicker through the tears in Margaret’s eyes.

The moment she met my gaze, she froze.

She probably never expected me to show up.

After all, we had never gotten along, and this gathering was held for her. No one thought I would attend.

Watching the panic on her face, I gave a faint, amused smile and took a seat.

The people beside me noticed and their expressions changed at once.

"Why is she here? To show off?"

"What’s with that attitude? Margaret is clearly better than her! Unlike Victoria, her own sister is about to take on a deadly mission, and she doesn’t even react. How could Alpha William have such a heartless daughter?" someone said.

I did not argue with them.

They were comrades who had fought side by side. In my previous life, most of them had ended up dead or severely injured.

Being able to stand here now, full of energy and gossiping, was already a blessing.

I watched them joke around for a while, then felt bored and stood up to leave.

Margaret followed behind me and called out, "Wait, Victoria."

I turned and stopped. She walked over and linked her arm through mine in an intimate gesture.

"Dad already told me," she said softly. "You were the one who withdrew the mate bond request with Orion. He’s always liked me anyway, so it doesn’t count as me stealing him, right?"

She paused, then added, "The draw picked me, yes—but I’m basically giving you this huge chance to earn merit. Surely chatting a little with our comrades isn’t too much?"

I laughed outright and narrowed my eyes at her. "Merit? You think you could earn any if you went instead?"

She froze.

"Margaret, your training results are terrible, and your real combat experience is basically zero," I said coldly. "Do you really think the battlefield is a child's game? If Dad hadn't shielded you, you wouldn't even qualify for the guard unit."

I let out a short laugh. "You should be thanking me for taking your place. I didn't expect you to be stupid enough to think you were actually capable."

Her face went ashen. Then her eyes shifted, and a strange smile curved on her lips.

Before I could react, she grabbed my hand and slapped herself across the face.

"Victoria, why would you...?" She cried out.

I was just about to say, Who are you even putting on this pathetic act for—

The next moment, a familiar figure rushed in front of me and shoved me without hesitation.

My lower back slammed into the rockery behind me. A dull pain exploded through my body.

Orion's face was dark as he pulled Margaret behind him. He stared at me with naked resentment.

"Victoria, when did you become this aggressive?" he said. "She's about to carry out an undercover mission in a few days. If she gets hurt, are you willing to take her place?"

I covered my face, disbelief flooding in. "You hit me? Did you even look clearly? Just now it was obvious—"

"That's enough." Orion cut me off. His face was grim, his voice cold enough to freeze. "You've been arrogant and domineering since childhood. I thought you were just straightforward, but I never imagined you'd even go after your own sister."

"You were raised in the same household. Margaret carries the Silverblade Pack in her heart, while you're vicious and jealous. I don't even know who taught you to be like this. If you ask me, Mrs. Ashford was driven to her death by you!" he added.

"Orion, enough," I cried. A sharp slap rang out.

My palm landed squarely on his face. I was breathing hard, my eyes red as I glared at him.

Orion turned his head aside and said nothing.

In the eight years of marriage in my previous life, we had exchanged cruel words like this every day.

But this was the first time he crossed my bottom line.

"You’re the last person who has any right to talk about my mother!" I snapped.

I turned away, clutching my already bruised lower back, and limped forward.

Orion seemed to realize I was injured. He caught up in a few strides and scooped me up in his arms.

Behind us, Margaret was still sobbing softly. "Orion, I—"

But Orion did not even let her finish. He carried me away at a fast pace.