Using a love letter wasn't just some old-fashioned, impulsive move.

Once, I had found Caleb reading a book of poetry.

He was at the back of the Containment Zone, the usual intensity in his eyes gone, replaced by a gentle concentration as he whispered the lines.

That's when I knew he was educated.

He hatred for humanity wasn't absolute.

At the very least, words—human words—could bridge the gap between species and find a place in his heart.

That's why I chose this way to confess to Caleb.

I hoped he could see my clumsy, sincere feelings through these words.

A long time later, the voices outside finally faded.

I wiped my eyes and tore the letter into tiny pieces.

My legs felt like lead as I walked to my father's lab.

He stopped his work mid-motion.

Taking in my red, swollen eyes, he let out a sigh.

"Okay, what is it this time? Something for that little wolf?"

I asked calmly,

"You promised me, remember? If I got first place in the Qualifiers, you'd let me adopt a Partner Beast."

His frown deepened.

"Of course I remember. But are you still fixed on him?"

"Luna, be reasonable, the two of you are a bad match…"

I shook my head, cutting him off.

"No."

My voice, though carrying a barely perceptible tremor, was unusually firm—

"Dad, I don't want Caleb Shaw anymore."