Despite my indifference, he did not back down.
After that, whenever Owen showed up, he brought something else-
A basket of sweet fruits. Always with the same relaxed smile.
“Hudson’s favourites,” he’d say.
At first, I assumed he was trying to wear me down.
But over time, I saw it.
He was not pushing. He was only… patient.
He’d stand off to the side, quietly watching the Hudson train, and occasionally lingering behind me while I taught.
One afternoon, his voice broke through the usual silence.
“Your talent’s insane. You’re the best healer I’ve ever seen. Honestly… you must be a gift from the Moon Goddess.”
I did not say anything.
But his words, like full moonlight, softened something within me.
One day, the pack networks exploded.
There was widespread news that Crimson Pack was replacing its heir.
Ethan had surrendered his claim to the Alpha position.
He left the only life he ever cared about.
There was even a photograph.
Ethan stands by the sea, looking wrecked.
A solitary wolf with nowhere to go.
I stared at it for quite a while.
No hatred. No satisfaction.
Simply a strange, quiet calm.
He regretted it.
Even if he does… So what?
I was no longer his chain.
And I definitely wasn’t his salvation.
“Teacher! Uncle Owen’s here for you again!”
Hudson’s voice rang out beside me, bright and cheerful.
Owen ruffled Hudson’s hair and gave me an invitation to the Chief Healer election.
I experienced a surge of irritability.
“Owen, I told you. I’m not entering,” I said, frowning. “Why keep pushing it?”
“Because you shouldn’t bury your gift,” he replied calmly. “Don’t let the past chain you down.”
When I still hesitated, he sighed, his voice falling lower.
“You love healing. I can see it. They can’t destroy that unless you let them. Just try. You deserve better.”
I thought about it all night.
Finally, I accepted his kindness.
On election day, I shocked every judge.
Winning the Chief Healer title was simple.
Everything that had once crushed me had not dimmed my spirit.
I thought reclaiming what was mine would mark the beginning of a new life.
I had no idea it would end my peace.
That day, I was teaching Hudson and a few other young wolves how to mix wolfsbane in the healing cabin.
The door exploded inward, splintering the wood with force.
A shadow lunged through, claws aimed at my neck.
I dodged, my breath quick, feeling the swipe graze against my ear.
“Riley!”
I froze for a half-second.
That was her.
She charged in, heavy with pup, bloodshot eyes burning.
Her wolf was half-shifted, with bristling fur, claws out, and madness emanating from her.
“I knew you wouldn’t just die quiet!” she snarled. “You ruined me—and now you think you get to live in peace?!”
I shoved the puppies behind me, my claws slipping free and instincts kicking in.
“If you’ve got a grudge,” I whispered, “we settle it outside.”
“Settle outside?!” Riley exclaimed, her entire body vibrating with rage.
“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be like this! Stripped of my healer title. Rejected by my mate. Tossed out by my own bloodline. And Ethan-”
She choked on his name, her wolf’s rage seeping into the atmosphere.
“You think you won?”
