Chapter 3

Seraphina's POV

An international call came through almost immediately. William's steady, concerned voice was on the other end.

"Seraphina, my dear girl, you've finally come to your senses!"

"Your situation isn't suited to staying in Dusklight Pack at all. That environment will only keep traumatizing you. Things are peaceful here, and being far away from everything might help you heal."

"I suggested you come years ago, but you couldn't bear to leave. I'm so glad you've changed your mind."

I forced out a pale smile. "Then… could I trouble you with the international flight arrangements and passport?"

William's voice was grounding and reassuring. "Don't worry about a thing. I've handed it all to Julian. He says he'll use every resource available to handle the documents as fast as possible."

"In the meantime, just wrap things up over there. Julian will come pick you up himself."

"Okay," I answered softly.

I'd just hung up when Alexander pushed open the door.

"Seraphina, you're awake? Who were you calling?"

I shook my head, said nothing, and quietly flipped my phone face-down on the bed.

Alexander assumed I was still angry. Out of habit, he reached out to ruffle my hair, but I dodged. His hand stopped awkwardly in midair.

He paused, then withdrew his hand. His voice softened. "Seraphina, are you still mad at me?"

"I'm doing this for you. Once you overcome this, you can live like a normal werewolf instead of being mocked behind your back."

For me?

I laughed bitterly inside.

Before, I really had believed he was doing it for my sake. I'd just been too naïve.

Now I knew—he wasn't doing it for me. He was doing it to get rid of me. Ten years of accommodating his "defective" sister had been more than enough for him.

He was desperate to shake off the burden who lived in a glass bubble and embarrassed the Pack.

When I still didn't speak, his patience ran out.

"Seraphina, Chloe worked hard putting together a treatment plan for you. You don't appreciate it, fine—but you pushed her and hurt her. Once you're feeling a little better, I want you to apologize to her."

I forced down the bitter ache in my chest. My voice came out cold. "Apologize? Not happening. She destroyed my parents' urns, and I'm supposed to apologize to her? Alexander, you must be dreaming."

His face darkened instantly. His voice came out cold as ice. "You'll apologize, or I no longer have a sister."

I turned and stared at him in disbelief. "Alexander, are you actually threatening to disown me?"

I steeled myself. Each word was sharp and clear. "I will never apologize to that woman. Not as long as I live."

He laughed, furious, and nodded. "Fine. Great. If you refuse to see reason, then from this day on, you don't set foot inside the Alpha's mansion. Not until you apologize."

My eyes burned red as I stared him down. "Why? That's my home! That's what my parents left me! If anyone's leaving, it should be you—the outsider! I don't need a brother like you!"

The word "outsider" clearly cut him deep.

Alexander's face went terrifyingly dark.

The one thing he hated most was being reminded of his adoptive status.

He shot me a venomous glare without saying a word, then slammed the door on his way out.

I stared at the closed door, all color drained from my face.

I'd never expected things to end between us over some human woman we'd just met.

For the next several days, Alexander didn't come to the hospital once. No calls. No messages.

I told myself I didn't care.

I went home alone to that empty mansion.

I didn't have much time left.

Maybe a clean break was better. I could leave without looking back. No more lingering attachments.

Back home, sitting in the dark living room, I happened to scroll past a new SnapChat post from Chloe.

In the photo, sunlight bathed a green lawn. Chloe wore a pure white wedding gown, her arm hooked through Alexander's, who was in a sharp tailored suit.

Both of them were beaming under the sun, looking like the perfect couple.

The caption read:

"Some people have nowhere else to go, so they end up being my free model."

"Shoot in progress. Just the test photos, but weddings are exhausting!"

The comments were full of congratulations and likes from mutual acquaintances.

Chloe didn't bother explaining whether it was for work or anything else. She just replied with a tongue-out emoji.

My phone slipped from my hand and dropped onto the carpet with a soft thud.