She turned away, ignoring the inferno raging in my eyes. Her gaze swept the den like she was surveying conquered territory, and then she left, thoroughly satisfied.
I watched her retreating figure, and in my heart, I spoke to Lily, word by word.
Baby, take a good look. The wolves who hurt you—Mommy won't let a single one of them go.
They'll pay for what they've done. Every last one of them.
The day of the moon court. Outside the Elder Tribunal hall.
A cold drizzle fell without end. The sky hung low and gray, like one vast tombstone pressing down on the world.
I stood at the bottom of the stone steps in black from head to toe, the broken plastic crown clutched tight in my hand.
A dark carriage pulled by shadow-wolves stopped before me.
Alaric stepped out, radiating dominance, looking like an Alpha who had everything going his way.
But when his eyes landed on my face, that easy confidence froze for just a moment.
I probably looked like a ghost.
Deathly pale. Hollowed-out eyes. So thin I was barely recognizable—like something had drained every last drop of life from my body.
Alaric's brow furrowed. For once, a flicker of guilt—faint, almost imperceptible—crossed his features.
He walked over and held his cloak over my head to shield me from the rain. His voice softened, just slightly.
"What have you done to yourself?"
He paused, as if weighing his next words. "Since you're being so cooperative with the rejection, I won't be completely heartless about this."
He pulled another scroll from his satchel and held it out to me.
"I had my pack counsel draft a new agreement. Everything I promised before, plus additional hunting grounds near the eastern ridge."
His tone turned magnanimous. "After all, raising Lily on your own won't be easy. Training fees, healer visits—it all adds up."
The moment her name left his lips, my heart seized.
I raised my head. My eyes, flat and empty, locked onto his.
Alaric shifted under my stare, visibly uncomfortable. He cleared his throat and asked casually, as if making small talk:
"By the way, how's Lily been since that day? Still mad at me?"
He gave a light chuckle. "That pup holds a grudge—gets it from you. Once we're done here, I'll bring her a new toy. You can smooth things over with her."
I opened my mouth, ready to shatter his nauseating fantasy of fatherhood.