Chapter 1

"There's not much time left. You should spend it saying goodbye to your loved ones."

The healer's voice was gentle, almost sympathetic—

But to me, it landed like a stone crashing through glass.

I had guessed this outcome.

But hearing my death sentence spoken aloud… it shattered me all the same.

I was only twenty-eight.

I had clawed my way through life to survive. I had fought so hard.

And just when hope finally arrived—just when I found the rare herb that could save me—

My mate, Gary, gave it away.

To Jane.

Who merely felt uncomfortable.

My wolf was numb. Hollow. I wandered into Jane's infirmary room, where warmth and concern wrapped around her like a halo.

My parents were there.

Gary was by her side.

My little pup, Jack, was laughing by her feet.

When I walked in, Gary was helping Jane drink water.

He looked up, saw me, and quickly set the cup down.

"What did the healer say?" he asked, his voice flat.

He didn't meet my eyes.

His voice trembled with guilt, yet he dared to offer a weak excuse.

"It was urgent. If Jane didn't get the herb, she would've suffered a painful death."

My mother chimed in immediately.

"He's right, Nadia. Life and death was on the line. Don't be childish. You're not seriously angry about this, are you?"

I swallowed down the blood rising in my throat.

"I'm not mad," I said calmly. "The healer said… I'll get good news in a week."

I looked at each of them.

"Good news—for everyone."

Gary adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his smile warm, eyes glowing.

"You found another herb? I knew we made the right decision that day."

My father let out a long sigh of relief.

"Jane's really blessed. Without that herb, she wouldn't have made it this far."

My mother lovingly tucked Jane's hair behind her ear.

"The Moon Goddess is watching over you, sweetheart," she said.

Then, colder:

"Unlike someone, who threw a tantrum and embarrassed the entire Black clan."

Even though my wolf had long stopped hoping, those words pierced through her like daggers.

I clung to the table's edge, fingers shaking.

Gary turned to me with false tenderness.

"You really shouldn't have done what you did that day," he said gently. "I think… you owe Jane an apology."

I stared at him in disbelief.

Jane had stolen my cure.

And now I was the one who should apologize?

My wolf surged forward, furious, ready to tear the smug look off his face.

But I held her back. Bit down on my pain. Stayed silent.

My mother nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. If you hadn't attacked her wolf, she wouldn't have gotten worse. You're lucky she's still alive. If she weren't…" her voice sharpened, "I'd have disowned you."

I remembered.

The day Jane flaunted Gary's mark on her neck, parading around like a victor.

I had slapped her.

And they walked in right at that moment.

Gary's wolf attacked mine, slamming her into the ground.

My wolf's head spun.

My mother jumped in and clawed me too.

My father?

He stood there. Watching. Silent. Judging. As if I deserved every blow.

Jane clutched her chest and cried out that her wolf was in pain too.

No one doubted her.

They believed her every word.

Mine meant nothing.

My wolf had been devastated ever since. Silent. Empty.

Now, standing here again, I smiled bitterly.

"I'm sorry. It was my fault."

Everyone was stunned at how easily I surrendered.

Gary looked at me with suspicion, as if waiting for the punchline.

Jane frowned, clearly thinking I was bluffing.

My parents looked on, wary.

Only Jack—my sweet, innocent Jack—ran into my arms, beaming.

"Mommy, I'm so happy you apologized! Now don't bully Auntie anymore, or I won't like you either!"

That…

That was the final crack.

I had carried him for ten months.

Raised him with love.

And even he—chose Jane.

I cupped his soft face and smiled.

"Mommy will listen to you."

My mother gave a satisfied nod.

"Good. You've finally learned to behave."

Gary exhaled, smiling.

"My mate has grown up."

His fake affection made me sick to my stomach.

Then Jane let out a small whimper.

Gary rushed to her side.

Jack slipped from my arms and ran after them.

"Auntie, are you hurt? I'll blow on it for you!"

My parents rushed to her, faces full of love and concern.

I stood there.

Alone.

Invisible.

I was the ghost at my own funeral.

"I'm tired," I murmured.

No one stopped me as I walked out the door.