The next morning, the faint mist of Xinghai City had yet to disperse, but Ling Yao had already driven out to the Wolf Tribe's hidden domain, nestled in the mountains on the outskirts of the city. This place was worlds apart from the bustling metropolis; towering ancient trees, meandering streams, and the air thick with the mingling scents of grass and wildness—it was the ancestral home of the Wolf Tribe, a secret haven where they had resided for generations.
The tribe's council hall was an ancient structure built from massive stones, dimly lit by hanging oil lamps. The hall was already filled with the tribe's elders and core members, and the atmosphere was heavy, almost suffocating. As Ling Yao entered, all eyes turned to him, some filled with doubt, others with hostility.
Ling Yao walked straight to the central seat. His silver-gray hair gleamed coldly under the dim light, and his deep purple eyes were calm and unyielding, exuding an inherent authority. "I have called this meeting to announce two matters. First, yesterday, someone attempted to kidnap my mate, Su Wan. After investigation, it was confirmed that it was Ling Lie's doing. Second, with only half a month left until the Wolf Tribe's sacrificial ceremony, I want to hear your opinions regarding the succession of the Alpha position."
No sooner had his words fallen than the council hall erupted into murmurs. The eldest elder, seated at the front on the left, spoke first, his voice old but commanding, carrying an irrefutable authority. "Ling Yao, you know the rules of the Wolf Tribe. Humans are of lowly blood, unworthy to be the mate of the Alpha! Ling Lie may be wrong, but his intentions were for the purity of the tribe. You should not be so antagonistic toward him."
"The Elder is mistaken," Ling Yao's gaze turned cold, "Su Wan may be human, but she is kind and resilient. More importantly, she is my fated mate, the only one capable of breaking my curse. Ling Lie's actions were not for the tribe, but for his own selfish desire to seize the position of Alpha. What right does he have to talk about protecting the Wolf Tribe?"
"But humans are still outsiders!" another elder chimed in, "Allowing a human to meddle in the affairs of the tribe will only bring disaster! We cannot let the glory of the Wolf Tribe be destroyed under your leadership!"
"Glory is not upheld by blood, but by protection," Ling Yao stood, his gaze sweeping over the room. "In these years, I have expanded our territory, resolved conflicts with humans, and ensured a peaceful life for our people. Is that not enough? I admit, I chose Su Wan, going against some of our tribe's rules, but I have never forgotten my responsibilities. On the other hand, Ling Lie conspired with outsiders and harmed my mate—this is the real act that tarnishes the honor of the Wolf Tribe!"
Ling Yao's words were firm, causing many of the younger, previously neutral members to nod in agreement. Most of them had benefited from Ling Yao's leadership and were more open to new ideas, with less prejudice against the "human mate" than the elders.
The eldest elder's face darkened, and he opened his mouth to refute, but Ling Yao interrupted him sharply. "I know that many of you hold prejudices against Su Wan, but I hope you will give her a chance. At the sacrificial ceremony, I will prove that she will not harm the Wolf Tribe. She will become an asset to us. Before that, anyone who dares to target Su Wan will be my enemy."
His tone was chilling, and the wolf's mark flickered in his eyes, his presence radiating an immense sense of pressure. The room immediately fell silent, and no one dared to speak further. Ling Yao knew that while these elders were momentarily intimidated, their prejudices would not simply vanish. Ling Lie's schemes would not stop here. This game of power had only just begun.
After the meeting concluded, Ling Yao did not linger; he left the Wolf Tribe's territory immediately. Taking out his phone, he called Su Wan, his tone softening instantly. "Are you awake? I'm done with the meeting. I'm coming to pick you up."
By then, Su Wan had already gotten up and was preparing her drawing tools. Hearing Ling Yao's call, her voice brightened. "I'm up! I'm ready to meet that illustrator now."
"Good, I'll be there soon." Ling Yao hung up and sped up. He knew that Su Wan's growth was not just to fulfill her dreams but also to be better equipped to stand by his side. And he would always be her strongest support.
Half an hour later, Ling Yao's car stopped outside Su Wan's apartment building. Su Wan, wearing a light blue dress and carrying her drawing board, walked out of the building. The sunlight fell on her, making her appear like a pure gardenia flower.
Ling Yao got out of the car, naturally taking the drawing board from her and holding her hand. "Are you tired? Do you want to grab something to eat first?"
"No need, I've already had breakfast," Su Wan shook her head, looking up at him with concern in her eyes. "How was the Wolf Tribe meeting? Were the elders hard to communicate with?"
Seeing the worry in her eyes, Ling Yao's heart warmed, and he gently squeezed her hand. "There were a few bumps, but it's been resolved. Don't worry, with me here, I won't let you suffer." He didn't go into details about the conflicts at the meeting, not wanting to worry her.
Su Wan nodded without pressing further. She knew that Ling Yao didn't want her to be involved in the Wolf Tribe's disputes, but she was determined to grow stronger and help share his burden. After getting in the car, Ling Yao drove them to the café where the illustrator was waiting.
The meeting place was a charming café with an elegant atmosphere. The illustrator, Lin Man, was a well-known figure in the industry, though her personality was warm and approachable. Upon meeting Su Wan, she was immediately captivated by the delicate emotions and unique style in Su Wan's artwork.
"You have great talent, very inspiring," Lin Man said, genuinely impressed as she looked at Su Wan's work. "With systematic learning and refinement, you'll definitely make a name for yourself in the illustration world."
Hearing the praise from her idol, Su Wan's eyes lit up, her determination growing stronger. "Thank you, Teacher Lin, I'll work hard to improve."
Ling Yao sat beside them, watching Su Wan with a tender expression. He had prepared the best resources for her learning, hoping she would happily chase her dreams. Lin Man noticed this and subtly exchanged an understanding look with Ling Yao, her lips curving into a smile.
The next few hours passed with Lin Man outlining a detailed study plan for Su Wan and discussing various illustration techniques. Su Wan listened intently, occasionally asking questions, and they had a wonderful discussion. Ling Yao did not interrupt them, only quietly sitting nearby, preparing warm coffee and snacks for Su Wan.
At noon, Ling Yao took Su Wan and Lin Man out for lunch. Afterward, Lin Man had to leave for another appointment. Ling Yao took Su Wan's hand as they strolled down the tree-lined street.
"Teacher Lin really likes you," Ling Yao remarked softly. "With her guidance, your progress will be quick."
"Mm!" Su Wan nodded firmly, her eyes filled with determination. "I'll work hard. Ling Yao, I don't want to always be the one you protect. I want to become strong so I can face all the challenges with you."
Ling Yao stopped and turned to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I know. But no matter how strong you get, I'll always protect you. Still, I'm happy to fight alongside you." He lowered his head and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Thank you for staying by my side."
Su Wan nestled against his chest, feeling his warmth, and a deep sense of happiness filled her heart. She knew the road ahead would be long and filled with uncertainty and danger, but as long as she was with Ling Yao, she would have the courage to face anything.
At that moment, in the Ling family mansion, Ling Lie was in a secret meeting with several elders. The eldest elder sat at the head, his expression grave. "Ling Yao has made it clear that he will protect that human girl. At the sacrificial ceremony, we must present enough evidence to prove that the girl will bring disaster to the Wolf Tribe, so the people will support you."
Ling Lie's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Don't worry, Elder. I've prepared everything. I found records from three hundred years ago, when the Wolf Tribe's integration with humans caused internal unrest. If we present this at the sacrificial ceremony, along with some 'evidence,' we can convince the tribe that she is an omen of misfortune. Then, not only will Ling Yao lose the Alpha position, but he will also be condemned by the tribe."
"Good," the Elder nodded, satisfied. "We will support you fully. Make sure everything goes smoothly."
"No problem." A calculating gleam flickered in Ling Lie's eyes. "Also, I've arranged for some people to cause an 'accident' during the sacrificial ceremony. Even if the tribe doesn't believe the records, if something happens to that girl, Ling Yao's curse will never be broken. Then, the Alpha position will be mine."
The elders exchanged glances, not opposing his plan. To