Chapter 1
Darius Blackthorn, my mate and the Alpha of the Silverpine Pack, had told me more than once that I was too domineering.
My parents thought I wasn't understanding enough. Even my own daughter, Lyra, had openly admitted that she liked Selene Vey more than me.
If everyone believed Selene deserved everything I had more than I did, then I would give her everything during the final three days of my life.
My position, my wealth, and the family I had once fought so desperately to protect.
Healer Mira's words still echoed in my ears.
"Mrs. Mooncrest, Silvermoon Core Depletion has already spread to your heart. You must undergo Moonwell purification within three days. Otherwise, your wolf core will cease functioning completely."
For seven years, I had believed Darius and I would walk side by side for the rest of our lives.
Then Selene came along, and everything changed.
The door opened, and Darius walked in. A strange perfume, one that didn't belong to me, lingered on his clothes.
"How are you feeling?"
"Still alive."
He either didn't catch the sarcasm or simply chose to ignore it. He placed the medical report back on the table.
"Mira told me there's only one available spot for Moonwell purification. Selene's wolf core is already showing signs of rejection. She needs the treatment more urgently than you do."
"So you're giving her the spot?"
Darius didn't answer immediately.
His silence told me everything.
Selene was the girl I'd begged my parents to adopt from an orphanage when I was ten. I'd treated her like my own little sister, brought her to family gatherings, and shared my favorite things with her.
I had never imagined that one day, she would become the shadow I could never escape.
"Her condition is worse than yours," Darius finally said. "You can still move around normally, and your wolf core hasn't completely failed. Just wait a little longer. You'll be fine."
I almost laughed.
To suppress the agony caused by my failing wolf core, I had to take specially formulated painkillers every day. Whenever their effects wore off, even breathing felt like broken glass scraping against my chest.
But to them, I was still the same Elara who never needed anyone to worry about her.
"Fine." I nodded gently.
Darius's shoulders visibly relaxed.
"I knew you'd understand. You used to argue with me over things like this. I'm glad you've finally matured."
Mature?
I didn't bother arguing.
To him, as long as I stopped fighting for what was rightfully mine, I was being reasonable.
By evening, I returned to the Blackthorn estate.
"Mom!"
The moment Lyra saw me, she immediately hid behind Selene.
I stopped in the entrance hall and forced a smile.
"Lyra, did you have a good day?"
"It was okay."
She quickly lowered her head and went back to playing with her toys.
Selene was sitting in the middle of the living room, wearing the silver-gray evening gown I'd given her last month.
"Elara," she greeted me with a smile. "Are you feeling better?"
"Much better."
"Selene, I have something for you."
I went upstairs, retrieved a folder, and placed it in front of her.
Inside was the ownership transfer agreement for Moonfall Art Gallery.
Selene's smile froze.
"You're giving me the gallery?"
"Yes. You've always liked the place. You can take over its management from now on."
I had built that gallery from the ground up, starting with nothing more than an old warehouse. Every piece in its collection had been personally acquired over the years. It was also the achievement I had been proudest of since becoming an adult.
But I no longer had the strength to hold on to it.
Selene hesitated, making no move to take the folder.
"But this is your life's work. How could I possibly accept it?"
"Consider it an early engagement gift."
A flicker of panic crossed her eyes before she quickly replaced it with an innocent expression.
"Elara, did you misunderstand something?"
I leaned closer, lowering my voice.
"I know about you and Darius. Don't worry. I won't hold it against you anymore."
The color drained from her face.
Just then, Darius walked in.
"What are you two talking about?"
Selene immediately picked up the folder, her eyes turning red.
"Elara wants to give me the art gallery. I honestly don't know how to thank her."
Darius looked at me, seemingly searching my face for an explanation.
"Elara, are you sure about this?"
I didn't answer him. Instead, I turned to Lyra.
"Go to bed early tonight."
"Okay."
Lyra answered absentmindedly before reaching for Selene's hand.
"Mommy Selene, we haven't finished our game!"
Something seemed to clutch my heart so tightly that I could barely breathe.
Back in my bedroom, I closed the door. Only then did my strength finally give out. I slid down against the door and collapsed onto the floor.
A burning pain surged from deep within my wolf core.
I opened the drawer, took out my medicine bottle, and swallowed two painkillers. Only after the pain subsided a little did I manage to get up and start sorting through my wardrobe.
Those evening gowns, jewelry pieces, and treasured moonstone accessories would soon all belong to Selene.
I stared at my pale reflection in the mirror.
"Just three more days, Elara."
If all they wanted was a gentle, forgiving woman who would never fight back, then I would give them exactly that.
