In the Shadow of Lies

I laid Andrew on the bed, but this time, I didn't cover him with the blanket or take off his blood-stained leather boots like usual. Instead, I turned and walked to the guest room.

As I closed my eyes, his loving face from all these years flooded my mind.

The morning sun streamed over me. When I opened my eyes, I found myself staring into Andrew's gentle gaze. His hand gently brushed through my hair. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

"Were you upset last night, Eleanor? I'm sorry. I drank a little too much at the party. I promise I won't do it again."

His demeanor was as tender as always.

After a soft hum, I pushed him aside and headed to the bathroom to wash off the warmth he left on my forehead.

When I came out, Andrew was holding a delicate dress in his hands. The light blue silk fabric was adorned with silver floral patterns. It looked both elegant and noble.

"I got this for you, Eleanor," he said with a smile as he handed the dress to me. "You'll look beautiful in it."

If it had been before, I would have been thrilled. But after reading Andrew's diary, I knew this was Daisy's favorite brand, and clearly, it was an older style from years ago.

Just as I was at a loss for how to respond, the door suddenly opened.

Daisy walked in with grace. Her blonde hair glowed in the sunlight as if it were coated in gold. When she smiled, her perfect white teeth gleamed.

She moved in with ease as if this was her home. Smiling, she said in a light tone, "Sorry to interrupt, Eleanor. I'm hosting today's warrior celebration with Andrew, so I thought I'd just come over."

My gaze fell on her hand, where I saw a familiar set of keys. The keychain looked exactly like mine.

Andrew seemed to notice the shift in my mood and quickly leaned in to explain in a low voice, "Daisy is our best friend. It's normal for her to have a key to our house."

I didn't say anything. I was about to leave when Andrew insisted on dragging me to the event.

The square was lit with a bonfire, and the air filled with the scent of grilled meat and alcohol. The werewolves danced excitedly around the flames. The howls of wolves echoed in the night sky.

Daisy stood tall in a red dress. It looked like the moon itself had brightened to honor her.

Linking arms with Andrew, she slowly walked up the stage to the cheers and applause of the entire pack. I stood at the edge of the crowd.

"Eleanor, I heard you're good with cameras. Tonight's celebration is an important event. Could you take a few pictures for me?"

Daisy's words caught everyone's attention.

I didn't want to, but Andrew handed me the camera without waiting for me to protest. Since Dad passed away, I hadn't touched a camera.

Every time I held one, I thought of Dad, who had taught me photography when I was young. His image lingered in my mind, especially the look of helplessness and reluctance when he had left.

Since then, I never dared to press the shutter again.

Andrew knew this. He had even locked my camera away in the closet and told me not to force myself. He'd said he would help me heal until that one day I'd be ready to pick it up again.

But now, without waiting for me to speak, he pulled me forward and quietly urged, "Just relax, Eleanor. It's only a few photos."

His voice was calm, but his eyes shifted between Daisy and me.

Daisy, noticing my discomfort, softened her tone, but it still had a prickling edge to it. "Eleanor, I'm sure you won't disappoint me, right?

"Don't be like your dad. He played with a camera his whole life but never got one good photo before he died."

My breath caught in my throat. Her words pierced through me like needles.

"What are you waiting for?" Daisy struck an elegant pose. "Come on. Take the picture. Don't waste any more time."

I pressed the shutter. The image of her standing beside Andrew was glaring. I forced myself to hold back the sadness welling up inside me and took shot after shot.

After the photos were done, everyone gathered to feast, but Daisy called me into the lounge.

As she flicked through the photos on the camera, her voice dripped with mockery as she said, "Eleanor, you really are just as useless as your dad. You can't do anything right. Guess the Silverclaw family really is full of empty shells."

I dug my nails into my palms. My body trembled slightly as I fought to keep my anger from exploding.

Suddenly, a slap echoed, and a sharp sting burned across my face.

Daisy shook her hand and looked down at me with disdain.

"You really have no shame, Eleanor. I didn't expect you to hook up with Andrew right after your engagement was called off. What makes you think you deserve him?

"Let me make it clear. Both Ryan and Andrew are mine. You don't deserve either of them."

The slap made my head tilt to the side. The ringing in my ears was deafening.

Before I could even react, Daisy suddenly grabbed my hand and slammed it against her own face, then gracefully collapsed to the floor.

As she covered her face with both hands, her eyes glistened with tears. She looked so pitiful, a complete transformation from the woman she had been a moment ago.

"Don't be so angry, Eleanor. I really didn't think you took bad pictures. I just wanted you to try a different angle, that's all."

The moment Andrew opened the door, the wine glass slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor. He rushed over, pushing me aside, and crouched down to urgently check on Daisy.