But this pup—this pup made me greedy.
I wanted to keep it.
I didn't dare let Alaric find out. I was terrified he'd force me to end the pregnancy, to rid himself of any bond to me.
Before I could figure out what to do, disaster struck.
During my second healer visit, a fire broke out in the infirmary den.
As I fled through the smoke-filled corridors, I saw Alaric carrying Seren out of another birthing chamber.
The moment our eyes met, I was shoved by the stampeding wolves and lost my balance, crashing to the stone floor.
Panicked feet trampled over me, one after another.
Crimson blood pooled beneath me, spreading across the cold floor in an instant.
I screamed for help, terrified. Alaric's gaze lingered on me for barely a second—then he turned away, Seren still cradled in his arms, and never looked back.
I lay there in agony, frozen.
So this is where we are now.
I pulled myself out of the memory. My pillow was already soaked with tears.
My hand drifted to my stomach, still aching with a dull, phantom pain. I apologized in silence.
I'm sorry, little one. Your mother couldn't protect you.
And your father... he really, truly doesn't love me anymore.
I should have let go a long time ago.