Once everyone had pressed their thumbprints onto it, Evangeline retrieved the parchment that had been floating in mid-air. There was no metallic tang of blood; instead, it exuded a deep, mysterious aroma. She gave it a quick scan before putting it away.

"Alright, everyone. The contract is sealed. Grab your belongings; it’s time to go."

Evangeline glanced up at the gloomy sky. Obscured by the blizzard, it was nearly dark.

Hearing her words, the surrounding Beastmen erupted in joyful cheers. They had already brought their belongings when they left their tribe, so there was no need to trouble themselves with going back for anything.

With a flip of her palm, Evangeline produced a Teleportation Scroll. She said to the crowd, "Now, link arms."

Thorne wrapped one arm around Evangeline’s waist and grabbed The Ravening Wolves’ arm with the other. Though the other Beastmen didn’t understand, they did as they were told, linking together in a great circle with Evangeline at its center.

The next instant, a brilliant golden light flared, enveloping nearly the entire outskirts of the Wyndsong Tribe.

A crushing, pulling sensation washed over everyone. When the Beastmen opened their eyes again, their vision was still filled with a vast expanse of white, but the surrounding air was distinctly different from the air beneath Thorncliff. It felt fresh... and free.

Excited sobs soon broke out around them. "We’re out! We’re really out!"

Immediately after, some grew restless and began to quietly slip away from the group.

Although they all revered My Lady Priestess and were grateful she had led them out of Thorncliff, they wanted to return to their former tribes. They had no desire to leave Norfell, much less venture beyond it to the treacherous Triangle Sea.

As for the so-called contract... Hah. They had never heard of such a thing existing on the Beastman Continent.

In their eyes, Evangeline was simply putting on a witch’s airs to frighten them.

Thorne held Evangeline close, adjusting the collar of her cloak. Though he couldn’t see clearly through the curtain of snow, he could sense the commotion. He murmured, "It seems these Fallen Beastmen aren’t as obedient as they first appeared."

The Ravening Wolves stood to one side, his face filled with shame upon hearing Thorne’s words.

He said, "My Lady Priestess, don’t worry! I’ll go drag them all back right now!"

Evangeline’s long lashes fluttered. "No need," she said lightly. "Let’s go."

She and Thorne turned and led the way toward the Mer Clan’s temporary shelter from the blizzard.

The Ravening Wolves frowned, repeatedly glancing back at the deserting Beastmen, a bad feeling rising in his heart.

Sure enough, they hadn’t gotten far before agonizing roars echoed from within the blizzard, so powerful they seemed to make the storm itself freeze for an instant. The remaining Beastmen watched, their faces deathly pale, as the bodies of the fleeing Fallen Beastmen ruptured and broke apart.

They silently turned to look at the slender figure at the head of the group, who never once glanced back. A chilling silence fell over them.

The Ravening Wolves gasped, his expression turning to one of even deeper awe when he looked at Evangeline.

The moment they returned to the Mer Clan’s encampment, Danton rushed over, having heard of their arrival. He looked Evangeline up and down and breathed a sigh of relief. His gaze then shifted to the group of timid, quiet Fallen Beastmen trailing behind her.

If not for the jet-black Star Patterns on their foreheads, he would have been suspicious. ’Are these really Fallen Beastmen?’

"Danton, Thorne, settle these Beastmen. I’m going to check on Bunny and the others," Evangeline instructed before turning toward the cubs’ tent. It was the dead of night, and the little ones were snuggled closely together, fast asleep.

She hadn’t seen them in two days, and the twins—a boy and a girl—had already grown a little. Their hair grew exceptionally fast, resembling azure ocean waves.

Evangeline watched for a moment, then tucked in the corners of their blankets and added more firewood to the brazier before turning to leave.

She went next to Loras’s tent. His injuries still hadn’t healed from before she left for the Frost-plain Tribe.

The moment Evangeline lifted the tent flap, Loras’s wary voice called out from within. "Who’s there?"

"It’s me." Evangeline stepped into the cool tent and saw Loras sitting on the edge of the bed. "Why isn’t the brazier lit?"

Loras shot to his feet, his purple eyes fixed on Evangeline. He stammered, "I-I’m not cold."

Evangeline could see his reserve and let out a soft laugh. Even though they had already cleared the air between them, Loras’s disposition was what it was. He was never one to take the initiative, and he always carried an air of gentleness that made people forget he was a powerful Nine-Marked Beastman.

She stepped forward and pulled Loras down to sit on the edge of the bed. "Are your wounds all healed?"

Loras hummed in assent, his gaze fixed on her.

"Then let me check."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow and reached out, her hands exploring his body. His slender frame instantly tensed like a bowstring. When her hand slipped under his clothes, he began to tremble, his breathing growing ragged.

’She knew this body all too well. She knew exactly which places were off-limits.’

"...Don’t... please..." A pink flush spread from the corners of Loras’s eyes. His thin lips parted, whispering the suggestive words.

He hunched forward slightly, and a curly lock of purple hair tumbled down. His long lashes half-veiled his purple eyes, which resembled mist swirling at twilight. A rich, dark fragrance emanated from him, making the once-cool air in the tent grow intensely hot.

"It looks like you’ve healed," Evangeline said, a faint smile gracing her lips as she leisurely withdrew her hand.

Loras watched her, his hazy gaze lingering on her for a moment before he reverted to his usual quiet self.

Evangeline produced a bottle of Spiritual Medicine and placed it in Loras’s hand. "Get some more rest," she said softly. "In two days, we set out for the Triangle Sea. Once you’re fully recovered, we can pick up where we left off."

Her last words, spoken with a lingering intimacy, sent ripples through Loras’s once-calm heart.

His chest rose and fell heavily twice. He raised a hand to gently stroke the ends of her hair, his gaze deep and intent.

Having soothed Loras, Evangeline left the tent. The cold wind scattered the Moonlight Flower fragrance that clung to her.

She walked a few steps toward the shore. The sea at midnight was tranquil. Snowflakes fell upon its surface, yet it reflected a crystal-clear image. The fog had yet to dissipate, and the water had receded several more meters, revealing what looked like a giant pit.

’The Marine Beastmen have homes they can’t return to. This vast sea might truly be boiled away by the ceaseless flow of magma from the seabed.’

Evangeline sat on a rock by the shore, a potted Moonlight Flower appearing in her hand.

"There’s no moon, but I haven’t let you out for fresh air in a long time." Evangeline gazed down at the Moonlight Flower in her palm, which had already formed a bud. Her red lips pursed. Nourished by her Spiritual Energy and blood, Nix was growing quickly.

She pricked her finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the Moonlight Flower’s leaves. The plant swayed in the wind, its leaves twining around her injured finger. Fine serrations pierced her skin as it greedily, thirstily drank her sweet blood.

Evangeline chuckled and flicked one of the leaves. "You really haven’t changed a bit."

Just then, she heard footsteps approaching from her side.

Evangeline put Nix away and turned to see Danton.

Danton slowly approached, taking her cold hand in his. "Why aren’t you resting?" he asked softly.

Evangeline pursed her lips and glanced sideways at Danton. "How are the people of the Mer Clan?"