Three Strikes and You're Out

In order to get the last herbalist to treat my illness, my five-year-old daughter went to Elena in tears.

In the past, my daughter would rather die than call Elena by her name. But now, the poor girl sobbed with her head hanging low, addressing the witch before her as "Lady Elena".

She had given up her dignity as a member of the pack and fell to her knees beside Elena.

"I beg you, Lady Elena. Please have this herbalist take a look at my mother."

Sobbing, she bent over and kissed the top of Elena's foot. Meanwhile, Elena seemed gleeful to watch my daughter humiliate herself. She stepped on my daughter's weak and arched back.

My daughter fell into a muddy pool after Elena stepped on her.

Elena caressed the black cat in her arms and cackled.

"Look! That's the noble future Female Alpha of Wolffang Pack! How is she more obedient than my black cat?

"Come here! Show me how a werewolf purrs!"

My daughter looked up from the muddy pool. Her face was stained with blood and tears that continued falling into the mud.

"Meow."

The maids at the scene laughed with Elena. They cast disdainful looks at my daughter's petite frame.

"What Female Alpha? She's filthier than a Rogue."

"Keep your voice down! You don't want Alpha Alaric to hear you insulting his daughter—he might kick you out!"

"What's there to be afraid of? Everyone in the Wolffang Pack knows that Alpha Alaric loves only Elena! His five-year-old daughter doesn't even have a name. He wouldn't punish us over such a non-matter because we're Lady Elena's most trusty servants!"

Elena felt more gleeful when she overheard the maids' murmurs. She kicked my daughter out of her way and left while caressing the black cat in her arms.

Left behind, my daughter struggled to get up with her trembling, thin arms.

At the same time, I coughed up a mouthful of blood on my bed as though I had sensed something wrong.

My daughter ran over to my bed and frantically wiped away the blood on the corner of my mouth. "I'm sorry, Mother. I'm so useless. I couldn't get a herbalist for you."

Her clothes and hair were muddy. Her pale face was blood-stained.

She teared up when she saw the fresh blood I coughed up.

"Don't cry…" I wanted to wipe her tears away, only to realize I was too weak to lift my hand.

I realized my end was near; I could never see her grow up.

To avoid scaring my poor daughter, I mustered all my energy and smiled at her.

I lied with a straight face, "I think my appetite has increased. I'm suddenly craving the apple pies sold in town. Darling, why don't you get one of those pies for me?"

She paused for a moment, but a sense of foreboding drove her to shake her head.

"No! I'm not leaving! I will stay by your side. I'm not going anywhere."

She grabbed my hand tightly. The tears she fought so hard to contain finally rolled down her cheeks.

I tried my best to stop myself from coughing up blood. Feigning anger, I said, "Do you not trust me? I really want those apple pies! Go get one for us to share."

She wiped her tears away and watched me doubtfully. Noticing my anger, she relented and got up to buy the apple pie for me.

"Okay, Mother! I'll go buy the pie for you right now! Wait for me. Wait until I get home."

The moment she stepped out of my room, I gathered whatever was left of my energy and yelled after her, "Brianna!"

Meeting her confused eyes, I explained to her, "I have named you 'Brianna.' Brianna, I hope you will always be a noble, brave, and happy princess."

"Mother…"

I gradually lost consciousness. I bit hard on my tongue and smiled with a mouthful of blood. "Go, my little princess. I'll wait for you to come home."

Brianna looked more relieved as she jogged away. When she was finally out of sight, I closed my eyes.

"Sorry, Brianna. I've lied to you…"