But she wasn’t dying—not yet. Her Lycan bloodline, ancient and overwhelmingly strong, was slowly breaking her down from within. Without an Alpha mate’s mark to bind it, she was losing ground to her own power.
As her mother’s presence faded, the muffled sounds of celebration rose from below: music, laughter, the chorus of “Happy Birthday.” Evan and Raymond—the Alpha’s sons, her childhood companions—were hosting the party. And the guest of honor was Hailey, the young omega who had joined their pack barely a month ago after rogues left her orphaned.
A knock disturbed her brooding. The door creaked open, and Hailey slipped in, balancing a plate with a slice of cake. Frosting clung to her face in a way that made her look childlike, almost too sweet.
“Lenora,” Hailey said softly, stepping close, “please come downstairs. It would mean so much if you joined us.”
Lenora’s gaze cooled. Beneath the doe-eyed plea, she had caught flashes of calculation before. “I have things to finish,” she said flatly. “Enjoy your party.”
Hurt flickered across Hailey’s features, her lashes wet with unshed tears. “Do you not like me, Lenora? Is that why you always keep away?”