Chapter 1

Aurora's POV

"As you already know, your mother's treatment can't continue if you don't pay her medical bills," the doctor said.

"Yes, I'm aware, doctor, and I'm trying my best. All I ask is for more time and for the hospital not to stop my mother's treatment," I pleaded.

"I wish I could, but there's nothing I can do," he said, leaving me with no choice but to find another way.

I took the bill from his desk and stepped out. My grip tightened on the door handle as I leaned against it, struggling to hold back my tears.

Ever since my mother fell ill, I had done everything to take care of us, but it was never enough. The hospital bills kept piling up, and I was out of options. Loans? Denied. Selling what little we had? Not enough. Friends? No one had that kind of money to spare.

It had always been just my mother and me since the divorce. My father left us to marry the Alpha of Wolfsbane Pack, trading family for power. He never looked back, never reached out. I had no illusions- he wanted nothing to do with us.

I walked into my mother's ward and sat beside her, watching her frail form. My fingers brushed against a small box on the bedside table. Inside, beneath old letters and trinkets, was an unmailed envelope addressed to my father.

My breath hitched. Had she tried to reach out to him? Would he have helped?

I hesitated, but deep down, I knew I had no other choice.

"He's still my father. He can't just turn me away," I whispered, gripping the letter as I left the hospital.

After arriving at Wolfsbane Pack, I made my way to my father's house. Everything still looked the same, as if time had stood still.

A mix of emotions churned within me. Was I making the right choice? Did I even have a choice? I took a deep breath and walked toward the entrance.

Two guards stood at the gate, their expressions hardening as I approached.

"State your business," one of them said, blocking my path.

I swallowed my irritation. "I am Aurora Whitmore. I need to see my father."

The guards exchanged looks. "Lady Aurora?" One of them scoffed. "Haven't seen you in years. Thought you'd forgotten this place existed."

"I'm here now. Let me through."

"Got any proof?" The other guard asked, crossing his arms.

I clenched my fists. "You know who I am."

"Maybe. But orders are orders."

Before I could respond, the heavy wooden doors creaked open, and a familiar voice rang out.

"Let her in," a woman said smoothly.

Helena.

The guards immediately stepped aside, and I walked in, my heart pounding.

Inside, I was led to the sitting room, where I was made to wait. My stomach twisted in knots, my fingers curling around the fabric of my dress.

Finally, my father entered with Helena and Lydia trailing behind him.

The moment our eyes met, I knew- there was no warmth, no recognition of the bond we once shared. His gaze was unreadable, but Helena's smirk was all too familiar.

"Father, Lady Helena," I greeted, bowing slightly.

My father remained silent, his expression like stone.

"What brings you here?" he asked coldly.

I forced a small smile. "It would be nice to exchange pleasantries after so long."

"I don't recall inviting you. Let's not waste time," he cut in.

His words struck deep, but I refused to let them shake me.

"I came to ask for your help," I said, voice steady despite the lump in my throat. "My mother is ill. I've done everything I can, but I can't keep up with the hospital bills."

Silence. Then-

"Let me get this straight," Lydia said, her voice dripping with mockery. "You crawl back here after years of pretending we don't exist- only to beg for money?"

I turned to her, meeting her gaze. "I'm not here to take anything from you, Lydia. I'm here because I have no other choice."

"How touching," Helena murmured. "You leave, abandon your family, and now expect generosity?"

I stiffened. "I didn't abandon anyone."

"And yet," my father said, "you come here only when you need something."

The words crushed me, but I swallowed my pride. "Please, Father. Just this once."

"I owe you and your mother nothing." His voice was final. "If you need help, find it elsewhere."

Desperation surged through me. I dropped to my knees. "She's all I have. I'm begging you."

He turned away.

I reached for his leg, clutching at him like a lifeline. "Please!"

He shoved me aside with a force that sent me stumbling.

"Pathetic," Lydia muttered.

I pressed my hands against the floor, my body trembling. The weight of rejection settled in, suffocating.

As I forced myself to stand, wiping away tears, Helena's voice cut through the silence.

"I'll pay the bills."

My head snapped up. "What?"

She smiled, slow and deliberate. "On one condition."

A chill ran down my spine. "What condition?"

"Marry Luca."

I stiffened.

"The Alpha of Shadow Claw Pack has been pressuring us for a union," she continued, her tone silky smooth. "Lydia was meant to be his bride, but she's… not exactly suited for the role."

Lydia huffed. "As if I'd marry that brute."

Helena's gaze sharpened. "But you, Aurora, with your bloodline… You'd make a fine Luna."

My heart pounded in my chest.

"You need money. We need an alliance," Helena said. "It's a fair trade, don't you think?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

"Think carefully," she added, voice laced with quiet menace.

"Your mother's life depends on it."