LOGINCass’s PoV
I don’t know why, but every time I hear Vania’s voice, the past comes crashing back—hard and merciless. Maybe it’s because behind her every word, every action, I can still remember the warmth that once existed in my childhood… before everything changed.
I used to be my father’s little girl. Cassian, my brother, would always hold my hand wherever we went. He used to tell me I was “the pride of the Vale family.” Father would praise me in front of the Pack elders—until the darkest day of my life arrived.
My mother died of illness, and not long after, my father brought home a new wife. I truly thought she was kind… that she might carry the same softness and love my mother once had. But that illusion didn’t last long.
When my little sister was born, everything shifted again.
I thought having a sister meant having someone to play with,
Cass’s POVMornings in NightFang always arrive more quietly than I expect.Sunlight pours through the tall kitchen windows, glinting off the marble counters and neatly arranged utensils. I stand there with my sleeves rolled up, preparing breakfast the same way I have for the past few days. My movements are automatic—slicing bread, warming soup, arranging fruit and herbal tea.It isn’t my job. It has never been my obligation. Yet somehow, the habit formed on its own.“Good morning, Miss Cassandra,” one of the servants greets me with a wide smile.“Good morning,” I reply.I can feel their gazes—not judgmental, but warm. The servants in this mansion never say anything outright, but the way they smile, the way they help without being asked, it’s as if they see my presence here as something… permanent.“The Alpha will like this,” one of them whispers,
Cass’s POVIris looks so happy.She paces back and forth in the sitting room, her smile never fading since the call ended. Her fingers keep busy straightening the small ribbon in her hair, then she tugs lightly at the sleeve of my dress, as if making sure I’m still right here.“Dad said I’ll be able to meet Mommy Lyra later,” she says again—for the third time.I nod slowly. “Yes. But later, okay? When you’re truly fit again. And when Lyra’s condition has improved too.”“I know,” she answers quickly. “I’ll take my medicine on time. And I won’t skip meals.” Her eyes sparkle. “So I can recover faster.”I smile—a smile I force myself to hold.In my chest, something sinks quietly. The way Iris says Lyra’s name so lightly. So full of longing. As if that woman is the center of warmth she wants to return to,
Alaric’s POVThe silence on the other end of the line doesn’t break right away.I can picture Cassandra standing where she is—upright, composed, weighing my words not with emotion, but with the logic she has always relied on. That, somehow, makes the situation feel even more tense.“Not safe,” she repeats at last. “Explain.”“Lyra is unstable,” I answer shortly. “And there are people trying to use Iris.”“Who?”I don’t reply immediately. “What you need to know is this—I won’t allow Iris to be within their reach.”Her tone hardens but remains controlled. “You’re talking about Lyra’s parents.”“And the people around them,” I add.“I need a more concrete reason than that, Alaric,” she says. “Iris is not a pawn.”“Exactly,” I reply. “Which is why she can’t be on the wrong board.”I hear her draw in a breath. “Does Iris know about this decision?”“Not yet.”“I’ll tell her,” Cassand
Alaric’s POVThe silence inside the elevator feels too absolute.The metal doors slide shut slowly, reflecting my own image—an expressionless face, eyes showing nothing but calculation. The indicator lights tick downward one by one. I’m not thinking about Lyra. Nor Vania. There’s only one thing on my mind: the information has leaked.“Report,” I say the moment the doors open.Russel walks beside me, his stride matching mine. “Cyan was eavesdropping outside the ward. The keywords he clearly caught were: Iris, coming, hospital.”“Who did he send the message to?”“Vania,” Russel answers without hesitation.I stop briefly at the end of the corridor. The distant footsteps of nurses and the rhythmic beeping of monitors drift faintly through the air. “Cut off all of Cyan’s access. There’s no reason for him to be on this floor.”“Understood.”“And one more thing,” I add. “Restrict all
Lyra’s POVNights in the hospital always feel colder.The lights in my room are dimmed, the sound of nurses’ footsteps grows scarce, and the monitor beside my bed ticks softly—as if reminding me that my body now carries something that cannot be taken lightly.I’m still not fully used to that word. Pregnant.I rest a hand over my stomach. There’s no visible change yet, no obvious signs. But the reality is there. A small life, settled inside me for who knows how long, binding my position far more tightly than before.The door opens quietly.“Mother?”Vania enters in hurried steps, her eyes immediately locking onto me. Her face has been pale since this afternoon, but now there’s something else there—a mix of relief and excitement she can barely hide.“Lyra,” she says, slightly breathless. “Is… is this news true?”I
Raymond shook his head. “No effect. All dosages were correct. I adjusted them to work alongside the medical drugs as well. This is purely psychological.”“Thank you,” I said shortly.Vania stepped closer. “You heard that, didn’t you? She’s under mental strain. Because of you.”I didn’t respond.“I’ll stay here,” I said at last—not to Vania, but to Raymond. “Monitor her condition.”Raymond nodded and left, ushering Vania and Alan out with him, their quiet sobs trailing behind them. The door closed, leaving only Lyra and me.“You’re angry with me,” Lyra said slowly.“I’m making sure you’re safe,” I replied evenly.Her smile widened. “That sounds like obligation, not concern.”I pulled out a chair and sat down. “Iris misses you.”The word instantly changed her exp







