Kaelen truly went to great lengths just to enter my household! Seeing my silence, Valerie’s voice took on a hint of regret. “I was just helping Kaelen out because he seemed so pitiful. If you don’t want it, Sister, then never mind.”
“Who said I don’t want it?” Staring at the brocade box, I secretly clenched my fist. Ryker being able to speak was more important than anything. But if they wanted their wish to come true, they’d have to pay a price.
I looked at Kaelen and smiled sweetly. “I hear that wind chimes made from fox tails can ward off mosquitoes and evil spirits when hung by the window. If you want to enter my household, give me one of your tails as a token!”
A fox losing a tail meant unimaginable, bone–deep pain; it was akin to taking its life. Back then, I’d lost my arm for him, becoming the clan’s laughingstock. Asking for one of his tails now wasn’t too much; it would let him taste the pain I endured. I wanted to see how much he’d sacrifice for Valerie.
Kaelen’s excited eyes instantly dimmed.
“Kaelen, losing a tail is really painful. Maybe you should rethink it?” Valerie put on a show of concern.
Alright, I’ll give it to you!” Kaelen stared deeply at Valerie, then resolutely agreed to my demand. He ruthlessly severed one of his tails, throwing it at my feet, and then fainted from the pain.
After entering my household, Kaelen was constantly cautious around me, terrified I’d kick him out. But whenever he was around Ryker, the two were like sworn enemies, clashing at every turn. Each time, I’d protect Ryker, punishing Kaelen in various ways, never giving him a kind word. There was no comparison, no way to hide the disparity in our treatment of them. He was hurt, frustrated, and sad, but he grit his teeth and endured it, refusing to leave.
However, he only behaved for a few days before showing his true colors.
I noticed he was always secretly rummaging through my things. I knew he was looking for the Beast–kin token my father had left me. Kaelen was incredibly ambitious; he’d always coveted that token because possessing it meant unifying the entire Beast–kin tribes.
In my previous life, many coveted the token. My father had hidden it, giving me a painting, and to find the token, I had to decipher the painting’s secret. Back then, I never understood the painting’s meaning, so the token remained unfound. Kaelen resented me for it, thinking I didn’t trust him.
