When the abductors called back, I lied, claiming I had the money and was on my way. I also demanded they release both Victor and Vera the moment I handed it over.

 

After withdrawing the money with the help of my financial advisor, I dragged two large briefcases to the designated location.

 

The abductors instructed me to keep moving until I reached an abandoned factory. That’s where they were holding my in-laws.

 

I dropped the briefcases and dashed into the factory, where I immediately spotted Vera’s car.

 

The rear passenger door was open, but inside…

 

I saw Victor and Vera. Their hearts had been gouged out, and they were on the verge of death.

 

Tears streamed down my face as I frantically dialed a healer’s number, fumbling toward my in-laws.

 

“I’m at an abandoned factory behind Moonshines Winery! I need assistance immediately! Two werewolves with their hearts gouged out!”

 

Grasping their hands, I begged, “Hang in there. The healers will be here soon! I’ll call Leo and have him come immediately too!”

 

But they simply shook their heads.

 

“We’re leaving all our wealth in your hands, Lyra,” Victor murmured. “After we’re gone…”

 

“We’re so sorry…” Vera added weakly.

 

Choking back sobs, I shook my head. “No… You have nothing to apologize for. It’s my fault. I couldn’t gather the money in time…”

 

Victor’s voice was faint but steady. “Don’t blame yourself, Lyra. This isn’t on you. The Feral Rogues never intended to let us live.”

 

Vera’s gaze grew distant as she began mumbling, “No one dared to harvest the Moonfang Herb after learning it only grew on the cliff…

 

“But you… A little girl among a pack of werewolves… You volunteered.

 

“That’s when we believed you were an emissary sent by the Moon Goddess to protect Leo.

 

“We thought we were doing what was best, but by making you marry Leo… we condemned you to a life of unhappiness and pain. We’re so sorry for forcing this life onto you…”

 

Tears flowed uncontrollably as I shook my head again. “No… Leo was the one who chose to marry me.”

 

“You should annul your bond with him after we’re gone,” Vera whispered. “We’re sorry for making you suffer all these years…”

 

As this unfolded, I kept calling Leo, but he didn’t pick up.

 

Desperate, I left him a voice message: “Leo! Mom and Dad are in critical condition! You need to get back here!”

 

There was no response.

 

I kept calling until, one by one, their eyes closed. Even though the healers rushed over as quickly as they could, it was too late.

 

I staggered to my feet, my vision blurred and my head spinning.

 

Just as I was about to collapse from the weight of my grief, a sheriff caught me.

 

“The money is still here, ma’am,” he said gently. “The abductor sent to collect it was shot and is now unconscious. We’re deeply sorry for your loss, ma’am.”