I reached over and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Mom, Ethan deserved to wait after all the times Lily and I waited for him."

My voice hardened as memories of my daughter's disappointment flooded back. "Everything he's experiencing now is a consequence of his actions."

"He made us wait countless times - for birthday parties he never attended, for promises he never kept, for love he never gave." The pain in my chest intensified.

"Most importantly, he made Lily wait for a father who never came. She died waiting for him at that amusement park."

Mom's eyes filled with tears at the mention of her granddaughter. "You're right, sweetheart. He has no right to expect your forgiveness."

"I harbor only hatred for Ethan," I continued, my wolf snarling within me. "A hatred stemming from his role in Lily's death. That's an act I can never forgive as both mother and mate."

The mate bond might still exist between us, but it was poisoned by grief and betrayal. No amount of waiting or flowers could change that.

Mom heard this and fell asleep quickly after closing her eyes, finally at peace with her decision.

I didn't think too much about it, turned off the lights, and fell asleep quickly, my wolf finally at peace knowing I had chosen my own path forward.

(Victoria's POV)

the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, recovering from the injuries Connor Blackthorn had inflicted. The silver-edged wounds healed slowly, leaving angry scars

sent back to Shadowfall Detention Center, to Cell Block C. The moment I entered, I knew my nightmare was just

- a she-wolf who had lost her daughter to an affair and murdered both her

alpha prisoner harbored deep resentment towards those who harm innocent children because of relationships. Her cold eyes assessed me like a predator sizing up

told Regina about my actions - killing Lily, provoking Olivia, and abusing Emma.

Constant slaps

to drink toilet water the taste making

repeatedly. Hidden needles net

expected it,

that innocent pup. The irony wasn't lost on me - this was cosmic

Regina's followers took turns tormenting

by pouring ice water over my head, then force me to clean the floors with my bare hands until they

now marred by bruises and my spirit broken. The beautiful she-wolf who had

attention was gone.

Regina to the guards, but her threat

"If you dare, we'll

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