But she had never imagined it would push him this far.
She had never believed her strong little brother—the boy who once puffed out his chest and proudly promised he would protect her when he became a powerful wolf—would lose his will to live.
She never imagined the day would come when he would give up entirely.
---
ONE MONTH LATER
Life had become a constant battle for Aria.
Each day she worked tirelessly, taking whatever work she could find within the territory just to survive and pay the growing cost of Marcus’s care in the healers’ hall.
Every day felt the same.
Working.
Counting coins.
Praying silently to the Moon Goddess that everything would somehow hold together.
Clutching a small pouch filled with the money she had painfully gathered, she approached the reception desk of the healers’ hall.
“Good afternoon,” she said softly. “I’ve come to settle Marcus Sinclair’s monthly care fee.”
The young healer nodded politely and began checking the records carved into the crystal ledger stone used by the hall.
After a few moments, however, a small frown appeared on her face.
She looked up at Aria in confusion.
“But Miss Sinclair… your brother’s expenses have already been covered.”
Aria froze.
“What?”