A Silhouette of Love

"Rhett is still a pup!" Lucien's voice held restrained fury. "As his guardian in name, you failed to teach him properly. I've already shown leniency by not holding you accountable. What right do you have to throw a tantrum?"Guardian?I let out a bitter, mocking laugh.Back then, Lucien had fallen in love with my sister—Sylvia Wilder of the Frostclaw Pack—at first sight.Even though the Elder Council and the Bloodline Assembly were staunchly opposed, he insisted on marking her as his mate.The Frostclaw Pack rose quickly from a small southern border pack to a prestigious pack under the Wargspire Pack's protection.After their marking ceremony, the two were inseparable and affectionate. They were envied by everyone in the Wargspire Pack.But fate was cruel. Sylvia died from an incurable illness shortly after giving birth to Rhett.To keep the Frostclaw Pack under protection, they sent me—the adopted daughter they had picked up from the streets—into the Wargspire Pack to take Syl

"Elara, you're usually smart—you shouldn't be doing something so foolish. You know full well that you'll have nothing once you leave the Wargspire Pack." Lucien added carelessly, "If Rhett is too attached to you, let Lyra help take care of him. I've already ordered her residence to be arranged. From now on, she'll live here."In the script he wrote for me, I was supposed to smile obediently, accept Lyra's move-in with gratitude, and continue playing the role of the submissive stand-in Alpha mate.But I was done with this absurd play."You can assign all that to someone else," I said calmly. "I'm leaving."At that moment, Lyra slowly stepped out, looking pitiful as she stood beside Lucien. "If Elara doesn't welcome me, then perhaps I should take my leave. Elara's been by your side for so many years. I'm just the newcomer; I'm unworthy of your attention."As she turned as if to walk away, Lucien grabbed her back. "Why belittle yourself? Your worth is defined by me."As he spoke,

I had finally arrived at the Snowfield Pack.This place, blanketed in snow year-round and far from the chaos of the world, was the sanctuary I had always yearned for.On the very first day, I met Rowan Argent while skiing down the snowy ridge.He was a traveler who was passing through for a ski vacation. We quickly grew close, chasing each other through the snow forest, grilling fish by the fire.We watched the aurora side by side, carving our names into the snow.He whispered, "Your smile is more beautiful than the northern lights."To my surprise, I felt moved as I listened to his clumsy sweet talk.Years ago, Mother had knelt and begged me, "Elara, please, take care of Rhett… The Northern Territory is a treacherous place. He won't survive without his birth mother's protection."Back then, I looked at that pitiful pup curled in a corner, eyes full of fear and loneliness. Something inside me was gently stirred.I naively believed I could exchange ten years of devotion for a

I never imagined Rowan would be the second son of the Alpha King of the Northern Territories.And tonight, he stood firm before Lucien, unyielding."You don't deserve to be her mate," Rowan growled.Lucien's face turned ashen, his fists clenched. However, he couldn't do anything.Rowan stepped in front of me. From his coat, he slowly pulled out a ring he had prepared long ago. Then, he dropped to one knee."Elara, I don't care about your bloodline or your past. I only want to spend the rest of my life helping you be free and loved." He looked up at me, his eyes glowing with unwavering sincerity and fire.I froze, my throat tight, eyes stinging. A few seconds later, I smiled and nodded. "Let's be together!"Behind us, Lucien suddenly lost control and stepped forward. "Elara, y-you can't just abandon us!"I didn't look back; I simply placed my hand in Rowan's."I never loved you, Lucien. I stayed only to fulfill the agreement to take care of Rhett." I spoke the truth.Lucien st