$17 PM
Finn worked to keep his expression neutral, trying to look alluring.
Three months later, Willow sent word that she was with child.
Though humans are fertile, those who marry into beast clans have never conceived so quickly.
Due to the differences between human and beast physiology, there’s usually an adjustment period. In the past, it took at least two years. I feared there may be issues with Willow’s pregnancy.
In ber letter, Willow said the Eagle Clan treasured this child greatly. Because she conceived so quickly, the entire clan treated her like a precious gem, catering to her every whim.
She also taunted me, calling me a hen that couldn’t lay eggs!
Well, at least I’m not laying eggs like her.
The day before Willow was due to lay her egg, Finn and I brought some gifts and visited the Eagle Clan.
Willow sat on a soft fur pelt, cradling her swollen belly as she looked at me.
“Sister, why have you come? Did you want to bask in your sister’s good fortune?”
I looked distastefully at the bare interior of the eagle’s nest. After growing accustomed to the Merfolk’s glittering treasures, the eagle’s nest seemed quite shabby in comparison.
“My sister is about to lay an egg. Of course I had to come see!”
Willow maintained a composed expression.
“Sister, I know you envy me. I bet you’re not having an easy time with Finn! He may look gentle, but he’s actually quite twisted, isn’t he? Always wanting to drink blood when he’s thirsty? The more afraid you are, the more excited he gets, right? Do you want me to ask Hawk to help you?”
Seeing Willow’s confident and pleased demeanor, I replied flatly:
“Sister, how do you know Finn so well? Were you acquainted before? Does your husband know?”
Willow set up straight, agitated.
“How dare you spread such lies! I’ll kill you!”
1 chuckled softly. “Haven’t you already killed me once, sister? Not satisfied yet?”
Willow’s pupils dilated as she stared at me in shock.
*You you were reborn too?”
Then Willow sat back down, stroking her belly.
“So what if you were? Afia, this time I married Hawk. I’m the one who’s happy, the one living well. You’re destined to be trampled under my
tood up brushing off my skirt
let, care to guess why I was willing to let you marry Hawk?”
about waiting for Wow’s
sponse, I left as she screamed hysterically behind me
Perhaps due to the shock, Witice went into early labor. She was in agony for three days and nights before finally laying a dull gray egg.
eg was due to hatch, fum and I visited again
*
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8:17 PM
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As I expected, the hatchling beside Willow had malformed wings.
Hawk and the Eagle King stormed out with livid expressions upon seeing the crippled prince.
Willow wept bitterly, glaring at me hatefully.
“Aria, you must be so pleased to see me brought low. But I won’t give up. If this child is no good, I’ll have another!”
I approached to look at the newborn eaglet. Its eyes weren’t open yet, and its body was still wet. How pitiful!
“Sister, why do you think I didn’t take the fertility herbs in my past life?”
Willow’s eyes widened.
“You bitch! You ruined me! It was you!”
Indeed, I had told her about the fertility herbs. But I didn’t force her to take them.
Willow’s expression twisted with hatred as she snarled:
“Aria, I may have fallen on hard times, but I’m still better off than you. Finn must torture you constantly!”
“It must be miserable to have an empty bed! How pathetic to be insulted and trampled on by servant girls!”
Seeing Willow’s crazed state, I lowered my gaze.
“Your Highness, my feet hurt.”
Hearing my words, Finn’s body stiffened. Then he knelt at my feet, gently massaging them with both hands.
Willow looked at Finn in astonishment.
“Finn, what are you doing?”
I lifted my foot. “Your Highness, the ground is too hard.”
A flash of vicious hatred passed through Finn’s eyes before he lay face–down on the ground.
“My lady, please.”
I slowly placed my foot on Finn’s back.
“Sister, His Highness treats me very well. I’m quite happy!”
