The Song of Us

Selene Wyndham falls in love with the merman, Zirion, at first sight. Despite the gossip and criticism, she rescues him from the beast pit. Although he's indifferent toward her, she never complains. She merely wishes that he never again suffers pain and hardship. She even vows to protect him for a lifetime. This goes on until the day he personally sends her into the beast pit, where she's torn apart and killed by a savage beast. Only then does Selene realize that from the very beginning, everything has been an elaborate scheme set by her younger sister, Vanessa Wyndham, to become the head of the family. And Zirion was Vanessa's very first pawn to set her plan in motion. "How does it feel to be sent into the beast pit by the very man you love, Selene?" As a set of sharp teeth pierce through her body, Selene's consciousness fades away. When she opens her eyes again, she has returned to the moment when she rescues Zirion from the beast pit. This time, Selene drives Zirion away and saves a young wolfman instead. She then makes him her personal guard. One day, the rain is pouring heavily when the once lofty and proud Zirion kneels at Selene's feet, ignoring the mud and filth on him. He digs out a scale from his body and begs in a sorrowful voice for her to spare him another glance. Chapter 1 "Selene, if you had given up fighting for the position of family head earlier, you wouldn't have ended up in such a state," said Vanessa Wyndham smugly. Selene Wyndham felt the most excruciating pain coming from her body, which various beasts were mercilessly biting into and tearing up. These ferocious beasts had never been tamed or trained by beast tamers. They all treated her as a fine meal. Selene used up the last of her strength to grit her teeth and lift her chin upward. She looked toward the top of the elevated platform. Vanessa, who had already become the head of the Wyndham family by now, showed feigned sorrow and pity on her face. Standing behind her was Zirion, the merman with whom Selene had once formed a pact. Selene had rescued Zirion from the underground beast pit, yet he betrayed her for Vanessa. "How does it feel to be sent into the beast pit by the very man you love, Selene? You saved him from here, and he sent you back to the same place in the end. Don't you think this is such a fitting end?" Vanessa mocked, laughing gleefully. Sharp teeth pierced through Selene's limbs. But compared to the physical pain tearing away at her body, the pain in her heart was far worse. She forced open her mouth and, with the last of her strength, said, "A fitting end for you… is death… If I get another chance at life, I'll kill you with my own hands!" As her consciousness faded, Selene seemed to hear a familiar cry. "Selly!" However, she could no longer tell whose voice it was. … "Ms. Wyndham, are you sure you want to buy this lowly beast?" Selene slowly opened her eyes and was shocked upon realizing she was standing there unharmed. At her side stood the owner of the underground beast pit, Rex Jones. And the merman kneeling right in front of her was Zirion. Two men pinned his arms down. His whole body was covered in blood and riddled with wounds. Still, his strikingly beautiful face caught her eye just as it did last time. Finally, Selene came to her senses and realized that she had gone back in time to the very day she saved Zirion! That was a very shocking and absurd conjecture. If it wasn't because the scene felt so familiar and real, even Selene herself wouldn't have believed it. Selene looked at Zirion, only to see him avert his gaze slightly. His eyes instinctively shifted toward a certain spot. She followed his gaze and found Vanessa standing in the crowd, chatting happily, her smile warm and pleasing. So, Zirion already had feelings for Vanessa from this very moment. Then, this meant it was Selene who had come between them. A wave of nausea rose in her heart. She recalled that it was Vanessa who had told her about the underground beast pit, where man and beast were pitted against each other. Vanessa kept insisting that it was very exciting to watch, and that was why Selene was here. Upon arrival, she saw the pale and handsome merman being beaten up by a mob. Because of his delicate, feminine appearance, Selene felt sorry for him and demanded that the mob stop. She then had Rex bring the merman over to her. That merman was Zirion. Rex told her Zirion was the most capable fighter in the beast pit. He had won countless fights. But because he stood out too much, the others were jealous and would go after him. Getting beaten up here had become a long-standing routine for him. In her past life, Selene not only pitied him after hearing this but also fell into the folly of judging by looks alone. She immediately bought Zirion and brought him back to her household. Then, she formed a pact with him and made him her familiar. Zirion's attitude toward Selene was always indifferent. He would always keep his distance from her. Yet, Selene just fell for him more with each passing day. She not only gave him the same food, clothing, and luxuries she herself enjoyed; she even granted him the authority to mobilize all her guards at will. It was exactly these actions that led her step by step into the trap Vanessa had set. Whenever Selene sensed something was wrong, Zirion would soothe her and tell her she was overthinking it. Selene believed him, so she never once doubted him. Her blind trust in Zirion caused her to fail to secure the position of the Wyndham family head. On the very day Vanessa became the head of the family, she threw Selene into the underground beast pit, where beasts tore her apart. "Ms. Wyndham? Do you… still want him?" Rex asked again when Selene gave no response. Selene was finally done gathering her thoughts. She looked once more at Zirion, who was before her. Her figure was reflected in his eyes. Under the glow of the dim lanterns around them, she appeared cold and merciless. She stepped back and sneered, "I don't want him." Chapter 2 As soon as Selene uttered those words, Zirion's face turned deathly pale. Just then, raucous cheers came from the beast pit next to them. Selene looked over curiously. At the center of the arena crouched a tall, strong beast that had yet to be tamed. Its body was coiled and ready to strike. Facing it was a dirt-stained and battered young man wielding a longsword. His body was covered in wounds, but his eyes shone brightly with an unyielding spirit. Selene fixed her gaze on him and asked Rex, "Who is that?" Rex replied, "He's a wolfman I caught in the mountains a few days ago. Some people are betting on him losing, but he's tough. He's been fighting that beast for two days, and he still hasn't fallen." As Selene stared at the wolfman's unyielding eyes, she couldn't help but think of her own dreadful end in her past life. She, too, had been thrown into a beast pit like this. However, she hadn't possessed a body as strong as his. Unlike him, she couldn't fight a beast and hold her ground. She felt sorry for the wolfman and began walking toward him. But she had barely taken a few steps before she suddenly felt a tug at her sleeve. It was Zirion. He looked very confused, as if he himself had not expected that he would do something like that. "Ms. Wyndham…" Zirion whispered, his grip subconsciously tightening. Selene frowned and glared at him. An intense feeling of disgust arose in her heart. "Let go! How dare you touch me?" she scolded him. Rex hurried to appease Selene because he couldn't risk offending an heiress of the Wyndham family. He immediately kicked Zirion hard in the shoulder. "How dare you? Guys, beat him up!" Rex commanded. At his order, a guard strode forward with a spiked whip. His arm rose and fell swiftly, inflicting a fierce lash against Zirion's body. Each strike was more forceful than the last. After a few lashes, the wounds on Zirion's body, which had barely begun to heal, split open again. Blood gushed from them freely. Still, he did not make a sound as he stubbornly locked his gaze on Selene's face. Selene looked back at him. After a short pause, she let out a cold laugh and brushed the dust from her sleeve. She sneered, "So filthy." At those words, Zirion's body swayed. Unlike his befuddled look earlier, the corners of his eyes reddened, and there was a pleading look in them. "M-Ms. Wyndham…" Zirion stammered, looking pitiful and wretched. But Selene no longer cared to watch his performance. While Rex's guards whipped Zirion mercilessly, she continued making her way toward the young wolfman. Upon climbing onto the high platform, she noticed a pile of weapons set by the stands. She picked up a bow, drew it, and shot an arrow straight into the arena. The beast shrieked as the arrow pierced its eye. Then, it collapsed to the ground with a thud. Everyone turned their gaze to Selene, including the wolfman, who was half kneeling and pressing his longsword to the ground for support. Selene descended from the platform in steady steps and stopped before him. She looked him over and asked, "What's your name?" "Fen… Fenric." His voice was hoarse, as though he had not spoken for a long time. Selene nodded and turned to speak to Rex. "I want him." With that, she pulled a pouch from her robes and tossed it into his hands. As a fawning smile appeared on Rex's face, Selene led Fenric past Zirion. And there, at Zirion's side, stood Vanessa. Vanessa called out, her tone anxious, "Selene! How… How could you take a liking to him?" Her eyes lingered on Fenric with disbelief. Selene studied Vanessa's youthful face. She looked innocent and charming, like she was incapable of something as dastardly as scheming against another person. Yet, it was this exact young lady who had managed to anticipate every one of Selene's actions and planted Zirion right beside her to bring her down completely. "Nessa, you seem to know exactly what I like," Selene remarked in a pointed tone, glancing at Zirion's stunning face. Then, she added, "Unfortunately, I now prefer someone stronger and more robust. You can keep that one for yourself." At that, Vanessa's face turned ashen. Chapter 3 In Selene's quarters at Wyndham Estate, she leaned against a reclining chair. She propped her head with one arm against the armrest, resting with her eyes closed. She had not bought Zirion, which effectively disrupted Vanessa's first move in her plotting. Of course, Vanessa wouldn't let it go so easily. She would surely have another countermeasure prepared. Selene wondered what she should do next. "Ms. Wyndham, we're done washing him up," a maid reported, interrupting her thoughts. She nodded and said, "Let him in." In just a moment, Fenric walked into her bedchamber alone. Selene glanced at him once and looked away awkwardly. She had bought the wolfman out of pure sympathy. Seeing that he was covered in blood and filth, she had ordered the maids to bathe him. She hadn't expected them to misunderstand her intentions and send him in wearing only an undergarment. When Fenric saw that Selene wasn't looking at him, he moved closer on his own. His scarred yet strong body leaned forward and loomed over her, causing her to feel flustered. With one hand pushing against his robust chest, she glared at him and scolded, "How dare you…" But Fenric's eyes were innocent and bright with no lustful intentions. "They told me to serve you well, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do… Can you teach me?" he asked candidly. His even tone made Selene's sharp reaction seem somewhat strange. "I didn't buy you for that… I want you to be my personal guard," Selene replied. Fenric responded with a confused look, "A personal guard? What does a guard do?" "He's a wolfman I caught in the mountains a few days ago." Selene recalled Rex's words. Perhaps Fenric had lived in the mountains for so long that he was clueless about the ways of the human world in terms of morals and social norms. So, Selene explained, "A guard means… you'll always stay by my side and kill anyone who tries to hurt me. Do you know how to kill?" Fenric's eyes lit up immediately, as if he had finally come across something that he could understand. "I can!" he exclaimed with a grin, revealing his sharp wolfish fangs. At the sight of that smile, Selene felt a little relaxed. She sighed in relief and lowered her gaze, only to freeze as she caught sight of the scar on Fenric's waist that made her pupils contract. In her past life, part of the reason why she cherished Zirion so much, besides his looks, was because he had a scar at that very same spot. Selene had long been searching for the boy who once saved her life. When she was young, she followed her father, Alaric, into the mountains in search of beasts. However, she had accidentally strayed from the group due to her own playfulness. That night, she encountered a wild boar while seeking shelter in a cave, and it charged at her angrily. Just as she thought she was done for, a boy rushed over and shielded her. He was not much taller than she was, yet he grappled with the beast fearlessly. In the end, the boy stabbed the wild boar's eye with a dagger, but one of its tusks left a gaping wound in his waist. He collapsed on the ground and was on the brink of death. Selene cried as she pressed her hands over his bleeding wound. She promised she would save him. It was all too much for a little girl to handle. As the adrenaline wore off, Selene was so tired and sleepy after the great fright that she accidentally fell asleep. By the time Alaric's men found her, the boy was gone. All that remained was the dried blood on her hands that was ghastly to look at. "Ugh…" Fenric's muffled groan of pain snapped Selene out of her reverie. Only then did she realize that her hand was clamped tightly over his scar. Startled, she let go. Her thoughts were in absolute chaos. Did this mean that in her past life, she had been mistaken from the beginning? Was Fenric the boy who saved her back then? "Fenric, this scar on your waist…" She had barely begun speaking when a faint voice reached their ears from outside the door. "Ms. Wyndham…" The rain almost drowned out that weak voice. Selene got up and hesitated for a moment before opening the door. Out in the yard, Zirion was kneeling before her. The downpour had long since drenched his clothes. His wounds from the whipping had yet to heal. So, the ground was wet with blood and rain. When Zirion saw Selene emerge from inside, his eyes brightened for an instant before dimming in the next moment. "Ms. Wyndham!" he cried out in a trembling voice that sounded almost like a plea. Only his face remained clean and unmarred, a stark contrast to the rest of his body. He asked woefully, "Why don't you want me, Ms. Wyndham?" Chapter 4 The scene was eerily familiar. As the most well-known beast-taming family in the city, the Wyndhams had made countless enemies over the years. In Selene's past life, when she and Vanessa attended a festival, they were ambushed by bandits. Zirion was Selene's familiar, yet he went to protect Vanessa. With no one shielding her, the bandits wounded Selene grievously. Out of anger, Selene's mom, Hilda Bailey, locked Zirion in a water prison for three days and nights. Then, she made him kneel outside Selene's bedchamber to beg for her forgiveness. It had also been a rainy night like this one. Although Selene wasn't pleased with Zirion, she still felt sorry for him when he was in such a pitiful state. She allowed him to rise after a short while. "Why don't you want me, Ms. Wyndham?" Zirion asked. As Selene looked at Zirion, she suddenly found her past self ridiculous. Zirion had done his part as her familiar most of the time, yet she had always gotten a faint inkling that something was off from his actions and behavior. Selene had believed that he was the one who had saved her back then, so she had tolerated him again and again. She had never expected that her feelings born from that debt of gratitude would ultimately lead to her own demise. She gave a cold laugh and folded her arms. "Who are you?" "I… I am Zirion. At the beast pit, you picked…" His Adam's apple bobbed, as though he could not bear to say the words. After a while, he said almost inaudibly, "I'm the beastman you originally picked." "Still trying to cling to me, huh?" Selene thought, making her way down the stairs until she stood right before him. "Then tell me, Zirion." She looked down at him, standing one step away from him as he kneeled right outside where the eaves didn't shield him from the rain. "Why would I want you?" Selene asked with a smile, but her tone was icy and cutting. At her words, Zirion lowered his gaze and slowly undid his sash. At once, the thin and drenched white shirt slipped from his body. Selene knew what he was doing. He wanted her to see the scar on his waist and go soft on him. So, she thought she would let him have his way. As her eyes lingered on the scar, her smile faded. She faintly heard Zirion let out a breath of air, as if in relief. "This scar of yours…" Selene whispered, tracing it from his abdomen to his waist with her finger. Though his scar was in the exact same spot as Fenric's, Selene realized it was newer the moment she touched it. It was not an old wound at all. It was just as she thought… Zirion was as shameless as ever! "Zirion, this scar of yours is truly ugly." At once, Zirion's body stiffened. His eyes widened with disbelief. "Fenric!" Selene called out. At once, Fenric emerged from her bedchamber. "H-Here!" Now dressed in a guard's uniform, he strode quickly to Selene's side at her order. Upon seeing Fenric, Zirion's eyes dimmed completely. His lips moved weakly, and he asked almost inaudibly, "Why… Why did he come out of your…" Selene ignored his murmurs. Instead, she smiled at Fenric and said, "What did I just teach you? What must a personal guard do?" "I must always stay by your side and kill anyone who tries to harm you…" Fenric's voice trailed off when he noticed the kneeling Zirion. At the next moment, he asked, "Should I kill him?" Selene's gaze became steely. "This is your first lesson. He entered my quarters without my permission. Tell me, should he be killed?" Fenric thought for a moment before nodding and saying, "He should." Selene stepped back. "Then do it." Without hesitation, Fenric drew his sword. "Ms. Wyndham!" Zirion's voice broke in near despair. His forehead hit the ground hard as he prostrated himself and begged, "No, Ms. Wyndham… I begged so hard… for this chance. There… is no chance anymore…" His voice grew weaker and weaker until his body collapsed to the ground as he fell unconscious. The downpour continued to pelt down on his frail form mercilessly. Chapter 5 "Wait," Selene said just as Fenric's sword was about to strike the back of Zirion's neck. What did Zirion mean by the chance he had begged so hard for? Then, he went to say there wasn't a chance anymore. What did he mean by that? Could it be that he had also gone back in time like her? "Selene!" Vanessa hurried into Selene's quarters, surrounded by her attendants. The rain had soaked the hem of her expensive cloak, but she paid it no mind. "Don't hurt him!" Vanessa, who was panting softly, spread her arms and stood before Zirion to shield him. It was obvious from her expression that she was very anxious. Selene smiled sweetly and said, "Don't worry. I won't hurt him." Then, she stepped closer and scrutinized Vanessa from head to toe. "But Nessa, you'd better keep a closer eye on your fish. Don't let him out, or he'll splash dirty water everywhere again," Selene said teasingly. Vanessa bit her lip, and her eyes teared up. She looked deeply embarrassed for a moment. If Selene had been her past self, she would've pitied Vanessa at this sight. After all, she had once genuinely thought of her as a younger sister. When the Wyndham family was at the peak of their glory, Alaric had met a wandering priest. That priest had prophesied that he would die at the hands of his daughter. At that time, neither Selene nor Vanessa had been born yet. Alaric only had three sons, so he dismissed the prophecy as nonsense and forgot about it. But that same year, Hilda and Alaric's lover both gave birth to daughters. Selene was clever and talented. Her teacher often praised her academic prowess. Her skill in riding and archery was also unmatched among her peers. At every archery competition, Vanessa would always turn to look at Selene with admiration after she missed her targets consecutively. "You're so amazing, Selene. At this rate, you'll definitely be a top fighter who can kill and ride away with unparalleled swiftness," Vanessa had praised. Back then, Selene felt proud upon hearing such compliments and sought to show off more before others. Little did she know that Vanessa's words became a thorn in Alaric's heart. From then on, he began to indulge Selene in everything. He gave her the best of everything and showed her preferential treatment over her siblings. Even when she erred, she was never reprimanded. Over time, Selene grew up to become a spoiled and wilful young woman who only wanted to have fun. Her notions of right and wrong were severely skewed, and she had little empathy for others. Unsurprisingly, she became the most useless among the five children and was notorious for having a very poor character. Even so, Vanessa never let her go. She was certain that Selene would be her greatest obstacle to becoming the head of the family, so she planted Zirion by her side. Beautiful people could get away with lots of things, let alone someone with Zirion's otherworldly and stunning appearance. Though he always gave Selene the cold shoulder, she never minded. Now that Selene thought back to the time when she had rescued Zirion from the beast pit, she remembered he had shown no gratitude. That so-called "fated encounter" had merely been a part of Vanessa's scheme that she had planned out long ago. Vanessa had managed to outsmart her to become the ultimate victor in her past life. Selene had no complaints about that. But now that she had a chance to live again, she would not hold back or show mercy. … One day, Alaric and Hilda summoned Selene over to talk to her. "Selly, you've had that wolfman with you for some time now. Why haven't you formed a pact with him yet?" Hilda asked. Upon subduing a beastman, a beast tamer could form a pact with said beastman. If the beastman willingly formed a pact with the beast tamer, the latter would gain some of the beastman's powers. Though they wouldn't be as powerful as the beastman, it would still set them apart from ordinary people. In Selene's past life, she gained the ability to breathe underwater after entering into a pact with Zirion. But he later turned against her, or to be more accurate, he revealed his true intentions and tried to forcibly sever the pact. Once formed, a pact could not be broken. To this day, Selene did not know where Zirion had found a spirit tool capable of breaking it. She only remembered the agony of that moment. It was as if someone had been pulling out every bone in her body one by one. She had felt as though she was being skinned alive and then cut to pieces. Selene couldn't bring herself to tell Hilda the truth. If she were being honest with herself, she was greatly traumatized by the thought of forming a pact again. That kind of pain was worse than death. It was worse than being torn apart by beasts. Still, she needed another excuse to respond to her parents right now. Giggling impishly, she said, "You're overthinking it, Mother. I have no interest in becoming a beast tamer. I just think the wolfman is handsome. He's so strong and well-built. I like having him for gawking purposes." Hilda sighed helplessly and tapped her on the forehead. "Both you and Nessa are the same. She took in that merman as her guard without any thought of forming a pact. I swear, you two give me headaches with how you carry yourselves." Selene smiled and threw herself into Hilda's arms with playful affection. Of course, Vanessa had no intention of forming a pact with Zirion. She was more concerned about how to slip Zirion into Selene's household. Upon hearing her words, Alaric turned away and huffed. "How ridiculous." However, his expression eased considerably because this was exactly what he wanted. As soon as Selene stepped out of her parents' quarters, she spotted Fenric waiting in the garden. When a few attendants passed by him, they sneered at him and gossiped among themselves without bothering to keep their voices down. "Isn't that Ms. Selene's boy toy?" "Hmph. What an eyesore." But Fenric did not even turn to look at them. He simply studied the different flowers in the garden like he didn't notice that they were talking about him. Selene was just about to approach when she saw Vanessa entering the garden with Zirion by her side. They walked straight toward Fenric. This meant they were clearly there for him. Selene stopped in her tracks and hid in the shadows. "So, you're the beastman my sister fancies?" Vanessa approached Fenric from behind. Fenric turned to look at her in confusion and gave a curt reply. "Yeah." "How rude. Didn't Selene teach you to bow when greeting me?" Vanessa fumed. "How does one bow?" Fenric asked in his usual deadpan expression. Vanessa felt that she was going nowhere given Fenric's cluelessness, so she had no choice but to drop the matter. Instead, she asked, "I hear Selene lets you dine at her table." Fenric thought for a moment and nodded. "So, she really does like you," Vanessa said. She then looked him over and chuckled. "But it's a pity that Selene's affections never last long. Why don't you… serve me instead?" Chapter 6 There was a reason why Vanessa dared to speak so brazenly. In Selene's past life, Vanessa's methods were never particularly tactful or ingenious. She relied on the power of one man after another. She somehow bewitched each of them, and they willingly became her loyal pawns. Strangely enough, every man she used had seemed utterly devoted to her, as though they were under a spell. Even Zirion hadn't escaped her charm. Selene instinctively glanced at Zirion, who stood silently by Vanessa's side. His head hung low, and he seemed lifeless, like he was a puppet on strings. This seemed kind of odd to Selene. Vanessa was openly throwing suggestive glances at Fenric right before Zirion. However, he showed not even the faintest trace of sadness. "No… I don't want to. You smell strange," Fenric replied, wincing and stepping back with an expression of unmistakable disgust. He had grown up in the mountains and had never been trained in social etiquette before coming to Selene's side. So, it never crossed his mind to spare Vanessa some dignity when he spoke his mind. That was likely the first time a man had ever rejected Vanessa. Her face flushed a crimson shade with humiliation. "You… What insolence!" She snapped, and she raised her hand to slap Fenric. But her palm stopped just an inch from his face. Selene had caught her wrist. "What do you think you're doing?" Then, she flung Vanessa's hand aside with such force that she staggered backward several steps. "What right do you think you have to discipline my beastman?" Selene questioned. A hostile glint flashed across Vanessa's eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came. "Selene…" Zirion did not step forward to help her. He stood firmly behind with his burning gaze fixed on Selene. "I… Uh… I think such an unruly beastman won't be able to serve you well," Vanessa said with a forced smile. She hurriedly pushed Zirion forward and added, "But Zirion is different. He's orderly in doing things. Why don't I give him to you instead?" Vanessa sounded overly eager when she offered Zirion. Selene knew why. It was because she had disrupted Vanessa's most critical move in her scheme, and that was placing Zirion at her side. In her past life, Vanessa knew everything Selene did because of Zirion. So this time, Selene sensed that if she didn't act as she normally would or take Zirion in, she would be able to break free from Vanessa's manipulation. Still, the show had to go on. Selene feigned surprise and asked, "But isn't he your personal guard now? Can you really bear to give him up, Nessa?" "Why not? You're the one I care about the most," Vanessa replied. Selene found her response so ironic and funny that she nearly burst into laughter. She composed herself and said, "Well, I admit that I do tend to choose my men based on looks." Vanessa was visibly relieved as she followed up her pitch with a smile, "Zirion's looks are first-class for sure. If you like—" "I don't like him," Selene cut her off. Her smile remained, but her tone was icy. "I don't like others touching what's mine. And I despise using what others have used before. I find it filthy." The moment those words fell, Zirion's lips turned visibly pale. He staggered a little, as though he barely had the strength to remain standing. "I find it filthy." Those were the words Zirion had once said to Selene. In Selene's past life, rumors about Selene keeping lovers in her bedchamber even at a young age had spread far and wide. It was scandalous and shameful. Though they were lies, Zirion had believed them. And so, when he was by her side, his eyes carried not only disdain but also deep disgust. Selene remembered everything like it was yesterday. Once, on his birthday, she had personally carved him a wooden rose. She had intended to call him over and give it to him as part of a custom-made sword knot. In the end, Zirion never showed up. He even had someone return the gift. "H-He said… He said he doesn't deserve such a precious gift given his lowly status," the attendant had stammered. But the maid who had gone with him fumed with anger and ranted, "I clearly heard that ingrate say that this wooden rose was filthy!" The gift itself was not filthy. It was the maker whom he thought was filthy. At that time, Selene forced herself to think of the scar on Zirion's waist and tried her best not to take his rejection to heart. After that, she still gave him gifts. But she never gave him anything she had made herself again. Chapter 7 There came a series of booming metallic clangs. The sudden tolling of the city bell snapped Selene back to her senses. It was the signal announcing the start of the annual riding and archery competition held by the city. In her past life, Selene had shone brilliantly in this competition. Because of that, she drew Alaric's suspicion and fear. "Since you dislike Zirion, then I won't force the matter," Vanessa said understandingly with a smile. Compared to earlier, she seemed to be in a far better mood. "After all, today is your big day." With that, she left with Zirion in tow. "Is it your birthday today?" Fenric asked. Having misunderstood Vanessa's words, he picked several flowers in the garden. He seemed to know which ones bloomed most beautifully because he moved swiftly. Barely a second later, he handed them to Selene with a sincere expression. Selene smiled and accepted the bouquet but shook her head. She said, "Thank you. But today is not my birthday. One hour from now, the riding and archery competition will be held on the plains outside the city. All beast tamers must participate." Fenric recalled how Selene had shot an arrow through the beast's eye back in the beast pit. "You'll surely emerge as the champion. I'll go get you the finest horse," he said confidently. "No, not the finest one." Selene winked at him mischievously. "Just get me the prettiest one." … After changing into her riding clothes, Selene arrived at the competition grounds just in time to see Fenric leading a horse toward her. He looked troubled, as though he wanted to say something but kept holding back. "You want to say that pretty horses are usually weak, don't you? That's fine. That's exactly what I want," Selene said. She opened her palm to reveal a sword knot that was adorned with a wooden rose. "Here. Put this on your sword." Fenric accepted it and replied with delight, "Is this a gift?" "You could say that. I carved it myself, so it doesn't look very nice." "I… I like it very much!" Fenric grinned widely from ear to ear. He immediately tied it to his sword hilt and seemed to cherish it very much. "I have another task for you," Selene said. Then, she lowered her voice and instructed, "Make sure this gift is seen as much as possible." With a perplexed expression on his face, Fenric nodded gingerly. Before he could ask, cheers rose from the distance, cutting off their conversation. "Nessa's archery has improved so much. She even hit the bullseye once!" "At this rate, she'll soon be able to join us on hunts in the mountains." Vanessa waved her hand shyly, blushing from the compliments. She responded humbly, "You flatter me, dear brothers. I only hit the target on my tenth arrow. Compared to how Selene did in the past, I'm nothing. Back then, she struck a rabbit's eye about 330 yards away with one shot! She's always been my role model." Their voices traveled just enough to reach the ears of Alaric, who was seated at the viewing platform. "Since you say so, then allow me to show off my skills once more." Selene mounted her horse and held up a strip of white cloth as she rode before the crowd. Only when all eyes were fixed upon her did she tie the cloth across her eyes. "Blind shooting? Oh, it'll be a feast for the eyes!" Vanessa's voice trembled with excitement that she could barely contain. As soon as the signal went off, Selene charged forward blindfolded. She raised her bow and shot an arrow… It was a miss. She quickly shot another. Again, it was another miss. Laughter erupted from the stands all around. Upon hearing that, Selene tore off her blindfold in disbelief. She clenched her teeth in frustration as she wheeled her horse around. In her fury, she flung the piece of white cloth to the ground. She locked her eyes on the target intently. Then, she spurred her horse forward and drew her bow. This time, she hit the outermost ring. It was followed by another shot, which was a miss yet again. "Damn it!" Selene hurled her bow to the ground. "Bring me another bow!" The audience sniggered harder, some even bent over as they cried tears of laughter. "How embarrassing! What a feast for the eyes, indeed!" "What a complete and utter disgrace Selene has become!" Among the crowd, only Vanessa's face was pale. She turned around and stammered nervously, "N-No, this isn't Selene's usual standard. She must be tired. Please give her another chance…" Her words were cut short when an arrow suddenly whistled past and grazed her cheek. Chapter 8 "Nessa!" Selene cried out and quickly dismounted. But in her haste, she faltered and fell hard on her knees. As a result, her hands pressed down onto the muddy ground. Fenric was about to rush forward, but Selene shot him a look to stop him. She pulled herself up and limped toward Vanessa with concern. "Are you alright, Nessa? I didn't do that on purpose!" With her muddy hands, Selene cupped Vanessa's face and scrutinized her anxiously. Then, she ran her hands all over her body while exclaiming, "Did you get hurt anywhere? I'd better check thoroughly!" "Why, you…" Mud had gotten into Vanessa's eyes. She nearly lashed out in anger, but upon remembering that she was in public under many pairs of watchful eyes, she forced herself to swallow her rage. She said, "I'm fine, Selene. Don't worry about me." "It really wasn't my fault. It was the bow… No, I mean the wind!" Selene blamed everything but herself. Then, she turned to look at Alaric and pleaded, "Father, please give me another chance. I didn't do well earlier…" "The competition stipulates that each person gets ten shots and no more," Alaric replied sternly. He paused for a moment before adding, "How is Nessa's injury?" Selene had estimated and executed her "missed" shot to perfection. Vanessa's face bore only a faint scratch. In fact, it was so superficial that it hadn't even drawn blood. "I… I am fine," Vanessa forced out through gritted teeth. "In that case, both of you, go and tend to yourselves," Alaric said, clearing his throat. He then looked toward the center of the competition grounds and ordered, "Continue." Besides the competition venue were washrooms set up for the participants. Selene walked toward them under Fenric's confused gaze. She was in excellent spirits. "Well? Wasn't I insufferable?" Fenric frowned hard and pursed his lips, shaking his head firmly. "You could never be insufferable." Selene gave him a helpless look and said, "Just wait for me outside." Once inside, she dismissed her attendants and slipped into the bath alone. After that spectacle, everyone believed Selene was nothing more than an heiress who had since fallen from grace compared to her past glories. With that, Alaric's suspicions toward her vanished completely. But still, Vanessa wasn't one to sit around doing nothing. She would surely devise new ways to rekindle his doubts. Selene was still thinking when the sounds of a scuffle came from outside. "Give it back!" "This is mine!" Startled, she threw on a robe and stepped out. Zirion and Fenric stood face to face at the door, glaring at each other. Fenric had his sword drawn and pointed at Zirion. The sword knot hanging from the hilt swayed faintly in the wind. "He's trying to take the gift you gave me!" Fenric fumed. "That's mine to begin with!" Zirion countered. His eyes were bloodshot as he glared at Fenric, his words revealing more than what he realized. This indicated that just like Selene, he had gone back in time too. She had been harboring some suspicions since that stormy night when she overheard his delirious muttering. Zirion had said he had begged so hard for a chance. It could have meant his begging Vanessa for the chance to meet her, or it could have also meant that he had begged for another shot at life. Selene had no idea which scenario it was. That was why she made Fenric flaunt the sword knot openly. She wanted to see how Zirion would react. "That sword knot should be mine…" Zirion insisted in a trembling voice, turning to look at Selene. He wouldn't be reacting this way if he were simply the Zirion from this life without any past memories. The carved wooden rose being his gift was something that had happened in their past life. "How ridiculous," Selene said with a scoff, crossing her arms and leaning lazily against the doorway. "I carved that rose and gave it to Fenric. How could it be yours?" Zirion clenched his fists, his gaze darting between the sword knot and Selene. "I… I once lost one just like it…" "So are you implying I stole it from you?" Selene retorted sharply. The more he explained, the worse the situation became. Zirion moved closer anxiously. "Ms. Wyndham, I wish to speak with you alone…" The city bell tolled again, signaling the end of the annual competition. "Nessa hit the target once, so she'll surely be rewarded. Shouldn't you go take a look?" Selene said with a sneer. Fenric stepped to block Selene from Zirion's view. His eyes brimmed with hostility. Zirion stood silent for a moment before turning his back and saying, "Ms. Vanessa and I are merely master and servant." Then, he walked away. … Now that Selene had confirmed Zirion had gone back in time like she did, she kept a closer watch on Vanessa. By right, Zirion should have already revealed all of her secrets to Vanessa. But strangely enough, though Vanessa continued plotting her schemes, she seemed to be struggling. Her moves mirrored the ones she did in the past life, and Selene foiled them all one by one. After a while, Vanessa started to lie low and not make any moves. For a moment, Selene thought she had given up. But one evening, she found Zirion in her bedchamber upon returning. He had been carefully dressed, his long hair loose and hanging free over his shoulders. His robe was so sheer that it was nearly transparent. Only the golden embroidery on the cuffs gave the garment an air of refinement. It turned out that Vanessa had not given up, after all. She seemed to believe that Selene would inevitably fall for Zirion. "Interesting choice of outfit. Did Nessa send you over again?" Selene smiled faintly from where she stood without moving closer. But Zirion only stared at her with brooding eyes. Casting away his pride, he dropped to his knees before her. He took her hand and kissed her fingertips fervently, mimicking the very gestures he had scorned in his past life. "I came here… of my own volition. Will you let me be your beastman?" His voice was soft, carrying a faint, unhinged edge. "Sure," Selene replied airily. She crouched down so that her eyes met his, and her smile vanished. "Close your eyes." His pupils that reflected her silhouette dilated a little. His shoulders shook ever so slightly. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered closed. In the next instant, Selene pulled out a dagger from her sleeve and drove it straight into Zirion's chest.