"Are you all right now?" Leon's voice was soft, but full of worry.
I nodded slowly, my hands wrapped around a cup of hot chocolate. My eyes were swollen, my nose still red.
"Liv, what happened? Why were you crying like that?" Mother asked gently.
"You were smiling when you left earlier. Did something happen outside? Tell me! I'll deal with whoever hurt you," Leon added, his tone protective.
I sighed and shook my head.
"Then why were you crying?" he pressed again, restless and anxious.
I couldn't answer. What could I possibly say?That I had already died—and was now living that day again?
"Liv," Mother called softly.I met her gaze, then whispered,
"I… fell asleep. And I dreamed that both of you died."
They exchanged glances, then laughed quietly.I just watched them—so alive, so warm, so real.
"Oh, Liv, don't be silly," Mother chuckled.
"I'm perfectly healthy."Leon reached over, brushing my hair gently.
"We're not going anywhere. I'd never let you face this world alone."
"It was only a dream, my dear," Mother said, wrapping her arms around me.
I nodded, returning her embrace.But my heart trembled—because in the life I remembered, they were both long dead.
Then Mother spoke again, carefully.
"Liv… in one week, you'll be meeting the Duke."Her tone was cautious, as if afraid I would lash out as I always did before.
I stayed silent.
"Liv, I know this is hard," she continued softly, "but the engagement was arranged the moment you were born."
I nodded faintly, my hand instinctively moving to my lower waist—where the mark of the curse lay.The birthmark that bound me to him.
"If you think we can cancel it, we can't," Leon said.
"Please, Liv," Mother added, "think it over. Even if you—"
"I'll marry him."
My voice cut through her words, calm and steady.
Both of them froze, staring at me in disbelief.I met their eyes, this time without hesitation.
"I'll marry the Duke."
And for the first time, I said it not in despair—but because I finally understood why I must.
"Liv… are you serious?"Leon looked at me, eyes wide with shock.
I nodded.
"Liv, if you're just pretending—"
"I'm serious, Mother."My voice was calm, but firm with determination.
Mother and Leon exchanged glances, then let out a collective sigh.Looking into my eyes, they could see I truly meant it.
"Thank goodness, Liv…" Mother finally said.
"I don't know what happened to make you change, but… you seem so certain," Leon added, his voice barely steady, disbelief still lingering.
"Are you not afraid of dying anymore?" Mother asked, her tone serious now.
I shook my head slowly.
"I… I don't think I'll die if I marry him."
Mother and Leon stared at me, silent, trying to read the words I couldn't fully explain.
"Liv, you don't have to pretend to be strong," Leon said softly.
"There's me and Mother. You're not alone."
I smiled faintly, taking both of their hands in mine.
"I know. We're a family."
Mother looked at us, then held both our hands tightly in hers, warmth spreading through the gesture.
"It's late. Let's have dinner first, then you can rest afterward," she said.
I nodded.
That night, we ate together—a warm, quiet meal filled with gentle chatter, laughter, and stories of little things. But in my heart, I knew everything had changed.
After dinner, I returned to my room.Annie helped me bathe and change into my nightgown.
"Annie," I called softly.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Throw all my dresses away."
Annie froze, shocked. "W-what?"
"Just throw them out. I don't want any of them anymore."I walked over to the table, picked up a book, and sat on the sofa.
"If you throw them all away—"
"I'll buy new ones. Tell Elgam to call Madam Nora tomorrow."
Annie swallowed nervously and nodded. "Yes, my lady."She had just opened the door when Mira, another servant, rushed in.
"My lady!" she called urgently.
I looked at her, expression calm. "What is it?"
"Young Master Erickson… he's outside. Waiting for you."
I froze for a moment, hands resting on the book.Then I spoke, calm and firm,
"Tell him I'm already asleep."
Mira blinked, surprised.
"What?"
Before, the moment his name was mentioned, I would have run out without hesitation—like a loyal dog, always yearning for his call.
But not anymore.
"Didn't you hear me?" I repeated, voice cold.
"Y-yes, my lady." Mira stammered, bowing, and hurried out after closing the door.
Silence filled the room.I stared out the window at the night, at the shadow of someone waiting outside.
"I am no longer the same woman, Andrey."I whispered, calm, yet filled with resolve and the weight of scars that had yet to heal.
Now I am alone. The lights are out; I sit quietly staring at the window. The moon shines bright — it's mid‑autumn; the trees are bare and no leaves block that silver light.
I remember the year I was executed. It was spring then: flowers blooming, the air sweet with scent, leaves turning green, and the breeze so refreshing — yet I died. Strange, isn't it?
When did it all begin?
After that day, Andrey had asked me to meet him. He seduced me into running away from my betrothal and stole my innocence. He betrayed my family, and then everything unraveled.
I lift the hem of my dress and study my reflection in the mirror. There—my birthmark: a delicate snowflake strewn with roses. It's odd to see it appear so beautiful. Is it because I was born on the day they call cursed — the day the demon bride is born?I don't know. Fate, to the gods, often seems like a joke.
Long ago, this world was ruled by monsters: cruel wolf‑demons. The war against humanity, led by saintesses, never truly ended until a peace was struck. As part of that pact, every child born on the fifteenth of Rubion in the Year of the Wolf would be pledged to their line. I was born on that day — and I bear this mark. I turned seventeen last month; a representative from the duchy came to my mother to arrange my marriage.
I once fled with Andrey. Now? I will not run again. I will not trust him.