Chapter 3

Evan was just as caring as always. He handled everything at home, keeping the place spotless so I didn't have to lift a finger.

Two months flew by, and every time I saw him, it felt like I was living in a dream. I was always scared that if I woke up, he'd disappear.

Luckily, that never happened.

But Evan was visibly getting weaker, and white hairs had started to appear at his temples before I even noticed.

I kept worrying and asking him if anything was wrong.

He'd give a soft laugh and say, "I'm fine, really. My body just feels so heavy lately. But it's not so bad. At least I still get to be here with you."

He didn't seem to care, but I couldn't put my mind at ease.

I didn't want to lose Evan again, not like I did two years ago.

I tricked Evan into going into town to buy supplies, and once he was gone, I made my way straight to Mount Solace.

Two years ago, when I first rescued Alexander, I was weak and frail.

Evan had just died, and even though Alexander's arrival brought a sliver of hope, my health was still terrible.

Maybe Alexander was worried I'd die and fail his trial, so he told me there was a herb on Mount Solace that could restore my vitality.

I asked him, "Will you go pick it for me?"

He was reading, and when he heard me, he just turned the page and looked away. "I don't have time for that," he said.

He couldn't be bothered, and honestly, I wasn't in the mood either. So we just left it hanging.

But now, two years later, there was no other choice. I had to get that herb for Evan.

Evan had saved me from my mother. For everything he'd done for me, and for all the feelings between us, I just couldn't let him slip away from me again.

I packed some food and set off, not even sure how long it took me to finally reach Mount Solace.

It was a tough climb to the top, and I searched for ages before I finally spotted the herb.

But just as I reached out to pick it, a shrill voice shouted from behind me, "Stop. That's mine."

I spun around and found myself staring into Serena's furious eyes.

Alexander, who was dressed all in white, stood next to her with a genuinely shocked expression. "Olivia? What are you doing here?"

Serena's eyes widened. "You know her? Wait, is she the one you were destined to face in your trial?"

My heart nearly skipped a beat, but my hand moved on its own. I grabbed the herb and shoved it into my pocket without a second thought.

Serena's expression turned stormy in a flash.

I managed a smile and turned to leave. "What a coincidence. Catch you later."

"Give me that herb." Serena darted in front of me, blocking my path. "A mere mortal like you has no right to use an immortal treasure. Give me that."

She was way stronger than she looked. She grabbed my arm, trying to wrestle the herb from me.

Cold sweat broke out on my forehead, but I struggled with everything I had, refusing to let go. "I found it first."

"If you don't hand it over, don't blame me for being harsh," Serena threatened, her tone icy.

I wasn't about to back down either. "It's mine."

"Olivia, is your mother sick?" Alexander frowned. "There's only one herb like this in the world. Serena's pet is wounded. You should give it to her.

"Your mom's too old. Even if she used this immortal herb, it'd just go to waste."

I felt a chill run down my spine, my voice shaking. "It's not my mom. It's me. I'm sick. I need this herb, or I'll die."

Alexander's brows furrowed as he scanned me from head to toe.

Serena was getting worked up. "Alexander, have you lost your mind? She is so strong. How could she possibly be sick?"

Alexander's expression turned cold. "Olivia, since when did you become a liar? Give the herb to Serena. Right now."

So basically, unless I was dying, I'd have to give up the herb.

Knowing I didn't stand a chance against them, I pleaded, "Mr. Knight, please. I took care of you for two years. Can't you just let me have the herb?

"You still owe me a wish, right? I want to use it for the herb."

Alexander let out a sigh, disappointment heavy in his voice. "You said you wanted nothing else from me, and now you want me to grant you another wish.

"So were you faking it back then, just trying to get more out of me?"

I looked up at Alexander, disbelief flooding me as I met the chill in his eyes.

After everything we'd been through for two years, he still thought I was just some greedy mortal.

Before I could even react, the herb drifted out of my pocket, completely out of my control, and flew straight toward Alexander.

He caught it and handed it over to Serena.

I sprang up, lunging forward to snatch it back.

Alexander shot me a frosty glare. "How dare you be so rude to a goddess? Olivia, are you tired of living or what?"

I had no choice but to give up the herb.

Under Serena's triumphant gaze, I turned and left Mount Solace.