Third person's POVOn the seventh day after chemotherapy, Tabitha could slowly get out of bed. But her hair had fallen out completely after this round of treatment.Looking at herself in the mirror, her chin was sharp, but the top of her head was empty.Theodora, supporting her, quickly tried to smooth things over, "Tabitha, it's okay. Your hair will grow back once you stop the medication."Tabitha, however, laughed nonchalantly, "If I lose my life, what's the use of a beaut
Third person's POVThis was the first time Elena had spoken initiatively. Derek sat at the coffee bar, preparing to make pour-over coffee. "Go ahead," he said.Elena gazed at the pattern on the coffee bar and spoke slowly, "After I got lost, I was captured by a few rogues. They left me with a weak wolf pack in the forest, where I suffered a lot. Later, I managed to escape..."She didn't narrate the process of her suffering but glossed over it.Derek asked proactively, "How did you make it?"All the information he found was very general and lacked specific details.Elena still didn't describe it in detail, "It's simple. I had been planning for a long time, hiding matches to ignite their stored firewood. They were very poor, so it couldn't withstand a fire for long, but..."She paused and continued, "Before setting it alight, I trapped that family in the room and burned them to death. It took me over a month to walk out of that forest.
Third person's POVElena's face revealed a paranoid and morbid smile despite being slapped."I am a madwoman. Why should I bear all the suffering in this world alone? Since I am already in hell, I will drag more people down with me. Alpha Derek, if you blame anyone, blame yourself for loving her!"As if remembering something, she added, "It doesn't matter that you hit me. But don't forget, I am the one behind it, but you are the executor. It's your own disbelief in her, your indifference, your neglect, and your bullying that have hurt her the most. I am not the one who wounded her deeply."Derek's raised hand stopped at this moment.He knew Elena was right. He was the real culprit and had no right to resent anyone else.He slumped down and lit a cigarette, staring into the void. "Now she's gone, and I've lost everything. Are you satisfied?"Elena's gaze fell on Derek's gaunt and haggard face. She didn't speak, and no one knew what she
Third person's POVTabitha had undergone six rounds of chemotherapy, one every twenty-one days. By the time they were over, half a year had passed.Each day of these six months had been akin to living in hell for her, with the side effects of chemotherapy permeating every organ.She was particularly sensitive to cold then. Her hands and feet were perpetually cold. Her legs were weakened, with an excruciating pain in her bones.Theodora looked at her with heartache, "Tabitha, you've made it through. You've completed all six chemotherapies. You're stronger than most people."Tabitha lay in bed, weak and dizzy.She spoke weakly, "Dora, help me outside to see the sunlight. I feel like I've been lying down for ages.""Sure."Theodora wheeled her out in a wheelchair. It was now winter here.The temperature was generally much warmer than in Seattle. Even during the coldest season, the city did not see snow.The winter su
Third person's POVEvery day and every second of being sick was a torment, and Tabitha still had to wait another month.Tabitha sighed, hoping to get in touch with Lucian soon, even if it was just to see photos of her children.However, due to Lucian's special status, she didn't dare use her old number, so she couldn't contact him at all.Derek had been waiting for a long time and finally received another video update of Tabitha.She hadn't left the courtyard for several days, indicating that her condition was indeed very weak. Even today, when she came out, she could only sit in a wheelchair.Derek's fingers touched the screen. She seemed to have lost more weight than last time. She had no flesh on her face, with a sharp chin. A pair of eyes were alarmingly large on her face."Is this the sixth time?" Derek asked."Yes, after this chemotherapy, it's all over. All that's left is to rest and recuperate.""Tabitha's won't
Third person's POVAfter hearing those words, Tabitha's grip on her phone loosened.Her phone fell to the ground with a loud "thud," startling Theodora, who was in the middle of a phone call with Orson.She quickly ended the call and looked at Tabitha with concern, "Tabitha, are you alright?"Tabitha's face had turned pale. "I'm fine," she replied.Theodora picked up the phone for her, and the screen was frozen on Derek's face.Thedora wiped the phone and handed it back to Tabitha, comforting her, "Tabitha, you don't have to worry. He doesn't know you're still alive. You need to step out of his shadow."Theodora wondered what Derek had done to Tabitha that still frightened her so much until today.Tabitha nodded. But she was still afraid, feeling that Derek was saying those words to her."No need to worry. He can't possibly know I'm still alive," Tabitha murmured to herself.She also tried to convince herself that
Third person's POVTabitha looked into the faces of the two people in front of her. Their sincerity and kindness warmed her heart.Throughout her life, she had faced many setbacks and villains, but fate had also sent some lovely people to help her. She wasn't entirely unlucky.At least this time, the Moon Goddess sent these two friends to help her."Okay, but I'm much better now. Dora can go back to work now. You don't need to take care of me anymore," Tabitha said."But..." Theodora started to object."It's settled. I can't let you waste any more time on me. Besides, this is the house you're preparing for your wedding. How could I stay here for that long? I can move to a smaller apartment and I can hire a housekeeper. I can also go downstairs for a walk by myself," Tabitha insisted.Orson didn't want her to worry about such trivial matters and immediately agreed."Alright, I'll do it for you right away."Orson was effic
Third person's POVTabitha, still with a composed expression, asked, "Are you in dire need of money? Are there any other people in your family?"Wilmot scratched the back of his head, "Yes, I have a mother back home who runs a small farm.""Are you married?" she inquired further."As a security, there's hardly any time to maintain a personal life. If I had a wife, she would often be left alone in an empty house. It would be unfair and cruel to her, so it's better to be alone," Wilmot explained.Tabitha continued her questioning, "Where did you work before?""My life has been one of constant turmoil. I grew up in poverty, and later became a mercenary. After my discharge, I've worked everywhere, in casinos, nightclubs, as a private bodyguard, an enforcer. Anything dirty or grueling that could earn me a paycheck.""Who was your previous employer?"Tabitha was no longer the once kind, cheerful, and lively girl she used to be.
Third person's POVAs soon as Tabitha stepped out of the house, the biting winter wind hit her face like a knife, stinging her skin.Just as Derek had said, everything had been arranged."Tabitha, the helicopter is ready. You can leave now.""Thank you.""However, the helipad is a bit far. You'll need to walk there.""That's fine," Tabitha waved it off.Wrapped in a thick down jacket, she buried her face in the hood. She felt as though someone was watching her, but she didn't dare look back.She was afraid that if she turned around, she wouldn't be able to leave. In her heart, she kept repeating, Don't look back. Just keep walking.Behind the curtains, Derek held Kyrian, who was crying silently. Kyrian reached out toward the empty air, as if trying to grab the hem of Tabitha's coat."Dad, I don't want Mom to leave. Will she abandon me?""No, she loves you. How could she abandon you? She's just leaving for a
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p