She laughed coldly. "If that's the case, then perfect. With Riley's crippled body, I doubt she'd last a day under that Stormridge Alpha's hands. She'll die before I even lift a finger." Scarlett leaned in close to Alaric, her eyes gleaming with malice. "When are you planning to act, Father? Just don't let Kael find out. He's completely on Riley's side now. If he knew, he'd raise hell." Alaric scoffed. "I'll handle it. You keep playing innocent. Don't slip up." Scarlett nodded eagerly. "I'm just waiting to watch that little bitch scream for mercy when Northhaven's Alpha gets his hands on her." At the hospital, Riley sat upright in bed, staring blankly out the window. Her body was still aching, wrapped in gauze and shadows of exhaustion. The door opened. Zara walked in with Mia close behind, carrying a thermos of hot food. Riley slowly turned her head. Her eyes landed on Zara-and chilled over. Zara approached cautiously and sat beside her, her tone soft. "Sweetheart, you must be hungry. I brought- "You're not my mother," Riley said flatly. Zara's breath caught. The air seemed to still between them. "Whether you accept it or not, I am your mother. That won't change." "It already has," Riley replied, her voice cold as the frost "Birth without care is no bond at all. I gave you back what I owed. That was the end." Zara's eyes welled with tears. "You really hate me that much? What do I have to do, Riley? Tell me. What will make forgive me!" Riley didn't answer. Not because she didn't have one-but because there was nothing left to say.. Zara tried to compose herself. "Just eat something, okay? We can talk after- "Leave." The word cracked like a whip. Zara flinched. "Riley, please... Riley didn't raise her voice. She didn't have to.. "Looking at you kills my appetite." you Zara stumbled to her feet like she'd been struck. Her hand flew to her mouth to muttle the sob threatening to break free. She rushed out the door. Outside, she collapsed against the wall, trembling, holding back her tears with a force that made her shoulders shake. She wept silently, ashamed to let the nurses see her fall apart. Minutes passed. When she looked back into the room through the glass pane, her heart twisted. Mia sat by Riley's side, feeding her gently with a spoon. Riley-cold, silent Riley-was smiling, Chapter 36 A real smile.. Her eyes glowed softly. Her lips moved in conversation. She was laughing. With Mia. Zara's heart clenched. She had never seen that smile directed at herself. Not once. Not even as a child. It was Mia who received her daughter's warmth. A truth settled over her like ash: Riley didn't want her. Might never forgive her. Might never even try. She waited until Mia stepped out. Mia jumped slightly, startled to see Zara still there. "Luna Zara, I thought you'd already gone." "Go on ahead," Zara said curtly. "I'll stay." Mia hesitated. "Luna, Riley is very tired. Maybe it's better if-" Zara's expression darkened. "Are you telling me when I can see my own daughter?" Mia lowered her gaze. "Of course not. I'll wait downstairs." Zara didn't wait. She pushed the door open. Riley didn't react. But this time, she didn't send her away either. She turned her face toward the window again, as if preparing for a storm. And deep inside, her wolf stirred again-quiet, alert, ready. Send Gifts