Truth Beneath the Moonlight

"I-I even knew why he smiles like that, why he acts like that… but I ignored it!"

Maybe it was because of the looming sense that this could be the end for him.

Like a final will, the words full of regret spilled from Rocco one after another.

The tears streamed down from his face, unstoppable.

"Waaaah! Please! Please give Laxus back!" Rocco cried shamelessly, sobbing and clinging to the wolf.

Then, it happened.

The wolf, which had been silent all this time, suddenly stirred.

It moved slowly and lowered itself to the ground, lying flat in front of Rocco as if surrendering.

Rocco blinked his eyes through his tears, his wailing coming to an abrupt halt.

He gazed down at the wolf now resting at his feet, its thick, fluffy ears visible and temptingly close.

The urge to reach out and pet them was overwhelming, but he resisted.

"—You truly are…"

The words echoed softly in his mind.