Chapter 39: It Was Me

*Willard* In the morning, I was woken up by the roar of Mia in the camp. I ran out of the tent anxiously and saw my brother dragging Mia and Kasim into cages and locking them up. My brother was looking at Mia like she was a traitor. I guessed that something might have happened between Mia and Kasim. At this moment, I felt a trace of joy. I lowered my head in a panic, unable to believe that I had such thoughts. Soon, the others also came out. I heard Mia begging us to let her out. I looked up and saw the cold eyes of Locas and Simon. They must have guessed what happened and didn't make a move to help her. I turned my gaze to Mia again. She was also looking at me expectantly. I wanted to persuade my brother to let her go, but I knew that he wouldn't listen to me. He might even be angrier because of my advice. Just wait until he calms down. In the end, I did nothing and turned back to the tent. Moreover, Mia had indeed betrayed my brother. Traitors in the Erindo pack had to be punished. On this point, I did not have the right to question my brother's decision. With that thought in mind, I didn't notice my jealousy of my brother. Night came quickly. Worried for her, I went to see her while everyone else was asleep. She was in a bad mood, and her eyes were bloodshot. My heart ached when I looked at her weak and lean appearance. I listened to her muttering and panicked for no reason. My intuition told me that something was wrong. Then, I saw her raise her claws to scratch her face. I was shocked and spoke quietly. "Mia! Stop!" My voice stopped her. I looked at her confused gaze and felt like a hole had been torn in my heart. I almost couldn't breathe. I didn't expect my brother's actions to hurt her so much. I couldn't imagine what would have happened if I hadn't come to see her tonight. For the first time, I resented my brother's decision and intended to defy him. Looking at the dazed Mia in front of me, I recalled the scene in the cave that day. I couldn't help but feel jealous. If my brother couldn't give her happiness, why should I abide by etiquette and not interrupt them? The thought flashed through my mind. "Mia, calm down. I'll let you out." Seeing her perk up after hearing my words, I was even more determined. I smiled at her and broke the cage lock before helping her out. "Willard, can you release Kasim too?" Mia turned back into her human form and tugged at the corner of my shirt as she looked at me expectantly. Actually, I wasn't too willing. Kasim's methods made me feel ashamed. Moreover, he was also my love rival, and he had even caught up to me. However, I could not go with Mia. I had to explain to my brother and find the divine artifact with him. Mia's identity was too important. If I left her alone, I would not be at ease. In the end, I released Kasim as well. I sent them out of the camp and instructed Mia to be careful. Kasim stopped me and handed me a brooch, saying that I could find them through the brooch's sensing as a thank-you gift for letting him go. I wasn't going to take it initially, but I changed my mind and accepted it after hearing that I could find them through this. Then I watched them leave. *** *Mia* Kasim and I left overnight. Our stamina didn't last us too far. Kasim chose a relatively safe place to set up camp, and we took the time to rest. The following day, I was woken up by Kasim. He needed to search the vicinity for food and water. Then we were ready to continue on our way. I nodded and got up to start a fire nearby. As I started the fire, I saw Willard walking over from afar. He seemed to be happy to see me and quickened his pace. "Willard, why are you here?" I was a little surprised. Then, I realized. "Is it because you let us go?" I looked at him worriedly. After scanning his body and finding no apparent injuries, I heaved a sigh of relief. It seemed that he hadn't fought with the others. "Yes. After sending you guys away, I returned to the camp and bumped into my brother. He was outraged and thought that I had betrayed him too. I quarreled with him. Although I disobeyed his orders, he was indeed the one who went overboard this time!" Willard lowered his eyes. He looked very disappointed, and his tone showed a trace of stubbornness. For a moment, I didn't know what to say. Because I was the cause of the matter, I was in no position to comfort him. It didn't seem right to say anything at this time. Willard didn't seem to need my comfort. He suddenly couldn't take it anymore and continued to talk about his feelings, "I've never hated him so much! I think I'm jealous of him. He can do everything better than me. He can get anything effortlessly. The people in the clan praised him as the most powerful alpha. They praised him for being young, capable, and powerful. No one can see my efforts!" "Mia, do you know? I'm like his shadow, living under his light forever. I tried so hard to catch up to him, but no matter what I did, my people would say, 'Not bad, but your brother was a little stronger than you back then! You have to work harder!'" Willard smiled bitterly. I could feel his helplessness. I might not be able to personally experience the harm that the disregard of his clan members had caused him, but I could imagine how torturous that hopeless pursuit was. I couldn't remain indifferent, so I reached out and hugged him. I stroked his head, hoping to make him feel better this way. Willard also reached out to hug me back and then said something that shocked me. "Mia, you probably don't remember. I was the man who saved you in the hotel. At that time, I was thinking, how could such a beautiful girl encounter such a thing? But I could only hand you over to my brother because of his orders." "Later on, my brother asked me to teach you healing skills. That period in the clinic was the most relaxed and happy time of my life. I gradually became attracted to you. I was surprised you could still maintain a pure and kind heart after suffering so much. I was amazed by your unique talent for healing skills. I gradually became attracted to you uncontrollably, and my gazes landed on you more and more." I listened to his words and felt a little flustered. I felt things were gradually moving in a direction I could not control. I retracted my hand and wanted to push him away. "Willard, you haven't eaten, right? You just ran out of the camp. Kasim went to look for food. Sit down and rest for a while. You'll have breakfast with us later." I tried to change the topic, but he became tough for once. He held my waist tightly. "Mia, listen to me. I didn't want to get between you and my brother. I thought my brother could give you happiness. Until yesterday. In that case, why can't I pursue you? Mia, I like you. Can you be with me? I will do my best to treat you well and give you everything you want."