a P

ood before the grand window, but I wasn't seeing the manicured lawns and blooming rose bus

ttage. My mot

te constitution, her health failing after my birth. I didn't learn the truth until it was too late. Her illness

he. The image of my mother, fading away alone in that cottage while I wa

o something sharp and dangerous. I didn't go to my

f history. The walls were lined with portraits of the Alphas and L

ver-gold hair a cascade around her smiling face. It w

the inscription read

leman Pack, a formidable family of warriors, renowned for their strength and ferocity. How could a woman from such a bl

agmented knowledge of my past life. A vast, dark consp

in time. It had sharpened my senses, deepened my connection to the wolf within. The

he miles, searching fo

nic

on the edge of our territory. My old

, it's m

the link. "Alea? Little sister! Why are yo

age Affirmation Ritual is in six days. You have to be here.

n. "What happened? Did that snake Eloi

ce tight with urgency. "Bring your most loyal warr

ather used, the one t

the command, the unfamiliar authority in my voi

. I'll b

Issuing a direct command to an Alpha-level warrior took a

a moment before pushing myself upright

guard at the door. They gave m

esting. The doctor said s

narrowed

h cold command that they scrambled

ckness rushed into my nose, thick enough to make my stomach turn.

was my mother. Her skin was pale as parchment,

dagger to my heart. T

Is that you, my sweet girl?" Her v

was as cold as ice. The tears I had held back for s

s me," I c

ars away, the effort clearly exhausting her. "

smile through my tears. "No

r nightstand. The "medicine" Elois so diligently provi

dn't afford to

a, you have to believe me. Everything is going to be alright. I

id not look away. For the first time in years, there wa

this dark room. I needed clean air, real healers, a

he curtains were heavy with dust, an

warmth. Sunlight would not heal her. Not by itself. What would truly heal my mother was Eloi