Third person's POV
Two uneventful weeks passed by in a quiet and unremarkable manner.
Tabitha was quite satisfied with Wilmot. The man was like a shadow, almost non-existent.
Normally, when Tabitha was inside the house, he would be guarding the yard outside.
He never stepped into the bedroom and rarely entered the living room.
He would only return to his room after Tabitha had fallen asleep at night.
By the time Tabitha woke up in the morning, he was already in the yard exercising.
If Tabitha planned to go out, she would let him know.
He would push her wheelchair, occasionally taking her to the supermarket for daily necessities or strolling leisurely around the neighborhood.
Apart from necessary communication, he spoke very little. Often, people would overlook his presence.
One day, he suddenly knocked gently on the glass door outside the living room.
Tabitha got up and opened the door, looking at him with
Third person's POVWhen Wilmot finished speaking, the first thought that crossed Tabitha's mind was not Tucker but Derek's face.She shuddered at the thought. Wilmot calmly added, "Perhaps this is the dog coming back to find you. Animals in this world have a certain spirituality. Maybe it's reappearing in your world in a different way."Tabitha's brows unfurled at this. Thinking this way made her feel a little better.Everyone is reborn in new ways.Tucker was, and so was she.At the vet's office, the doctor carefully examined the puppy. Tabitha was anxious the entire time.She feared the puppy's poor resistance. If it had contracted something like distemper while wandering, it would be hard to save.Fortunately, the doctor removed his gloves and reassured her, "Don't worry, it is very healthy, just a bit dirty. It doesn't even have ear mites. It can have a bath and be vaccinated on schedule."Tabitha finally let out a s
Third person's POVTabitha couldn't help but wonder why she had ever associated this honest and straightforward man with Derek."Do you like dogs?" she asked."I do. When I was a kid back home, I had a dog. But we didn't raise dogs as meticulously as you. we fed them whatever leftovers we had," Wilmot replied.For the first time in days, a faint smile appeared on Tabitha's face."If you like it, you can spend more time with it. Puppies are full of energy. My health isn't great, so I can't play with him for too long."Her legs were still not agile. She couldn't squat down. Any significant physical movement would leave her feeling dizzy.Fortunately, Tucker was always well-behaved around her, snuggling up on her lap and keeping her company.Wilmot scratched his head again and said, "If you don't mind, I can take care of Tucker.""I appreciate that," Tabitha responded."It's my pleasure. Will you be sitting here for
Third person's POV"Have you ever seen a cave brimming with fireflies? It's breathtakingly beautiful inside, with fireflies twinkling like a starry sky. There's this place called the Earth's Eye, a colossal pool of vibrant colors that looks like an eye from above. Have you heard of the Valley of Death? In Antarctica, glaciers on the mountains flow down into the valley, forming ice waterfalls. When these waterfalls reach the sides of the valley, they vanish, creating a spectacular sight," Wilmot described, his voice painting vivid pictures.Tabitha's eyes sparkled with longing."I'd love to see those with my own eyes. Don't laugh, but I've been to so few places in my life," she admitted."It's okay, Ms. Hartley, you'll be safe. I've seen many terminally ill patients make astonishing recoveries. Once you're better, if you're willing to pay me, I'll take you to see those places. How does that sound?" Wilmot offered, his tone earnest.A night breeze bl
Tabitha's POVI gently traced my fingertips over the glass of lime water, feeling its cool chill.Tiny beads of ice clung to the packaging, the cold seeping through my palm.Instead of answering Wilmot's question directly, I threw the question back at him, "What about you? You're not young anymore, there must be someone in your heart, right?"Wilmot's face lit up with a simple, honest smile."Well, a long time ago, I met a little girl. I was dirt poor and badly injured, but she didn't look down on me at all. She even saved me. I was deeply attracted to her from the first moment I saw her. It was love at first sight.""What happened next?" I pressed on.Other people's stories always carried a sense of beauty. Listening to them didn't make my heart ache."There was no 'next.' She was born into a great family, while I was just a poor kid willing to do anything for money. How could I be worthy of her? She was like the moon hanging
Tabitha's POVWilmot quickly responded, "The 22nd, why do you ask?"I almost forgot about it. In a few days, it would be John's anniversary of passing.Having been here recuperating for so long, my sense of time had become blurred."Could you help me prepare some mourning items, like flowers and candles?" I said softly.In the U.S., people often use flowers and candles to remember the deceased. Flowers symbolize the beauty and continuation of life, while candles represent the enduring light of remembrance for the departed."Sure, Ms. Hartley."I couldn't go back to Seattle. This was the first year since John's departure. I wanted to pay my respects.Wilmot was not only obedient but also very efficient.He not only prepared the offerings but even brought back a small toy for the dog.I noticed that every time he went out, he would bring me a little trinket—sometimes a glass of lemon water, sometimes a donut,
Tabitha's POV"Boom! Boom!"As the fireworks burst in the sky one after another, the splendid spectacle reminded me of the last grand and beautiful firework display, which was at Kyrian's birthday party. Daphne had spared no expense to hire a professional team to create it.But I wasn't in the mood to appreciate it back then.In my memory, the most beautiful fireworks in my life date back to when I was fifteen. John had specially prepared a fireworks evening for me.Fifteen, an age of carefree innocence. I was like a princess, untouched by any pain, full of longing and fantasy for the future.John was elegant and gentle, the man who doted on me the most.I still remember that many guests from the Silver Moon Pack came that day, all there to celebrate for me.Tucker was lazily lying under the cherry blossom tree, looking up at the fireworks.John said softly, "If you like it, I will hold it for you every year."But
Tabitha's POVI whipped my head towards the door and called out, "What's up?"Wilmot's always been the picture of propriety. Why would he barge in on my rest time?"Uh... Ms. Hartley, did you already hit the hay? Sorry to bug you."I figured I hadn't dozed off yet, so I got up, threw on a jacket, and shuffled to the door in my slippers.I yanked the door open and started, "I..."But my words died in my throat when I saw what was in front of me.There was Wilmot, holding a cake with candles sticking out.The candlelight bathed his honest face, the flame twinkling in his eyes."Ms. Hartley, it's a bit late, I know, but birthdays? They're pretty darn important. Can't let 'em slip by."It was exactly eleven fifty-nine.The cake looked like it was made by him.There was still flour and cream smeared on his face and clothes, not quite cleaned up yet."Thanks," I said, feeling a warmth in my chest th
Tabitha's POVI looked at him, my face etched with confusion, and asked, "Is there more?"Wilmot fidgeted a bit, pulling something from his pocket with a hint of shyness. "A birthday without a gift? That's not right. I found this in an ancient church when I was wandering around. There's a mysterious vein of ore nearby the church, and this moonstone was mined from there. It was then blessed with holy water in the church, considered a sacred item that brings peace and good fortune. I've had several close calls with death, yet I survived as if reborn from the brink. So, I thought I'd give it to you, Ms. Hartley."In his dark palm rested a crescent moon pendant.The pendant was hollowed out, with a moonstone inside that emitted a soft glow, dreamlike and enchanting under the light."No, this is your lucky charm. How could I accept it?" I quickly declined.But Wilmot insisted, shoving it into my hand. "Take it. I'm not doing those dangerous thing
Third person's POVAlvin froze, panic rising. "Sorry, Alpha Derek's delirious," he blurted, terrified of offending Doctor Venessa."Get his clothes off and put him in the tub," Tabitha instructed, turning away to sort herbs."Fully?" Alvin asked, unsure."Fully," Tabitha confirmed, her voice flat.Alvin hesitated, then stripped Derek bare.Tabitha's mind flashed with memories of Derek's body—the same one she'd once known intimately.Compared to when she'd left, Derek's physique was more muscular.When she'd gripped his waist earlier, she'd distinctly felt the elasticity and definition of his muscles.Now, with his clothes removed, several new scars were visible across his chest.She'd watched him from afar over the years, always avoiding contact, always ensuring she remained invisible to him.Several times over the years, Derek had nearly crossed paths with Tabitha during missions. Each time, she deli
Third person's POVTabitha was used to Alvin calling her by name. Hearing him call her "doctor" made her wince."Use a different name," she said."May I know your name, Doctor?""Vanessa."Wait, what?Alvin nearly choked. "You're Vanessa? The all-around physician?"An "all-around physician" was a rarity—doctors usually specialized.But Vanessa wasn't just rare. She was legendary.Alvin had first heard her name last year when she became one of the few surgeons capable of performing interdental artificial cornea surgery.The procedure was so complex it required collaboration across dental, ophthalmological, and radiological fields.Yet Vanessa, a twenty-something newcomer, pulled it off.Media swarmed, patients flocked—but she vanished.Then came a high-risk heart surgery, again under her name.Another worldwide sensation.Reporters chased shadows. She remained elusive,
Third person's POVA cold female voice cut through the tension, "One more tear and you're out. You're deafening."Misha's open mouth froze mid-sob, the comical expression plastered on her face.She glanced around, finally noticing the unfamiliar woman in the room. "Who is she?" she demanded."This is the miracle doctor who can save Alpha Derek. Show some respect," Rolf warned, wary of Misha's infamous temper flaring up again.Despite her pride, Misha's love for Derek was genuine.She quickly composed herself. "Of course, Doctor. I entrust my Derek to you," she said, the possessive words slipping out before she could catch them.Rolf's eyebrow twitched. Since when was Derek "hers"?Alma appeared in the doorway. "You're back.""Yes," the woman replied, her tone neutral."Let me introduce everyone. These folks are here for treatment. The young man's poisoned—Nine-Heart Wolfsbane, nearly dead. The hysterical one
Third person's POVRolf's eyes were red and puffy from crying. "What's Alpha Derek trying to do?" he blubbered."Let him have this one last moment of freedom," Alvin said, holding Rolf back.The mountain wind chilled their tears, but Derek couldn't feel it anymore.His knees shook with every movement, each step draining what little strength he had left.Still, he didn't give up, gritting his teeth and forcing one foot in front of the other.The child stood bathed in sunlight—just a few steps away, and he could hold her.What should've been a quick stride took dozens of seconds, maybe longer.Hedwig stood with her back to him, pigeons swirling around her. A speckled one landed on her finger, cooing.Hedwig's eyes lit up—her mom was back!She spun around to see Derek lurching toward her, unsteady and lifeless yet driven by sheer will.He reached out, fingers trembling, when his body swayed dangero
Third person's POVWhy did it have to be Derek?Alvin's fists tightened as he stared at the horizon. Derek had lived with a clear conscience—except for Tabitha. He didn't deserve this end.But Alvin wasn't a healer. All he could do was watch as Derek's breaths grew shallower, his skin paler.The bell tinkled again—Hedwig had followed them here.When they finally stopped, Alvin eased Derek against a gnarled pine, its needles pricking Derek's back like needles of ice."This spot's good," Alvin said, voice cracking. "You'll see the sunrise."Derek nodded weakly. "Good."The mountain wind bit through Derek's coat, but it cleared his head a little."Alvin... my biggest regret was letting Daphne's demands tear Tabitha and me apart. If I hadn't blamed her for Silver Moon Pack's problems... none of this would've happened.""Alpha Derek, you had your reasons," Alvin said, though the words felt hollow."R
Third person's POVHedwig couldn't speak, but she was wise beyond her years—quiet, helpful, and already versed in basic healing.Derek wished he could play with her, but time was slipping through his fingers. After eating the fruit she'd given him, he picked up his pen again.All night, he didn't rest.He could feel the life Hedwig had breathed into him fading. His senses were dulling again.But the will was done. Now, he only wanted to write letters—to Tabitha, to his kids, Kyrian, Helios and Ayla.The poison was moving faster than it should've. Every letter cost him energy, accelerating the venom's grip.First, he wrote to Kyrian. "Be a good man. Lead the pack with your heart, not just your claws."Derek's chest ached. He'd failed Kyrian, leaving him to shoulder the pack's weight alone.But love? That never faded.Next, his mother.The letter was short—"Take care of Kyrian. If Tabitha ev
Third person's POVAt the mention of the word "will," Rolf's face, which had been tense for days, crumpled. His eyes instantly reddened."Alpha Derek, you don't need a will! You're gonna be fine, you hear me?!"But at this moment, Derek became calm. "I don't have much time left. It took me a lot of effort to get to this camp. Even if I leave, it would take a day. What's the point of leaving if she comes back right after I go? It's better to stay here. If she doesn't come back in the end, I at least need to settle things, I can't just die without any explanation.""Alpha Derek...""Alvin, go get it," Derek said.Alvin's eyes welled up. "Alright."Alban, with red eyes, said, "I'm sorry, kid. I couldn't help you this time.""Dr. Weaver, I'm already grateful to you. You're right, there are some things beyond our control. I guess this is just my fate."In just two days, Derek had gone from a healthy man to someone whose organ
Third person's POVAlma felt a bit awkward. "I'm not sure about that."After all, Hedwig was Derek's spitting image, but she wasn't certain about Hedwig's father."Regardless, he already has other women by his side. He might have forgotten your mother and could build a future with someone else. Even so, do you still want to save him?"Hedwig pursed her lips and didn't respond. Alma stroked her hair, "Poor child, you should know how hard your mother worked to escape him. If he discovers you two are still alive, he'll imprison her again. Do you want that?"Hedwig shook her head gently."Then pretend you don't know him. Your mother and the others aren't in the village. Whether he survives is up to luck," Alma sighed, "Your mother suffered too much. She was barely alive when she gave birth to you. Cherish the life you have now."Hedwig nodded.Strangely, after Derek drank Hedwig's blood, about half an hour later, his vision and hea
Third person's POVThe door swung open.Misha stared at Alma with wide eyes, thinking her sincerity had finally moved her.But the next moment, Alma unhesitatingly lifted a basin of water and splashed it over her, drenching her from head to toe. "Stop making a fuss here! Don't try to coerce me with such theatrics. Whether you stay or do something more extreme, it has nothing to do with me. If you're looking for trouble, take it elsewhere, not here!"Misha stood there, stunned. How could Mrs. Atkinson act so unreasonably?"Why are you staring at me like that? Do you think this is a soap opera?" Alma sneered, "Now leave before you soil my place."As she spoke, she shielded Hedwig's eyes, "Don't look, or it might ruin your mood."Misha returned, drenched and furious, cursing under her breath, "Why is this old woman so difficult? She didn't have to help, but did she have to throw urine at me?"Rolf pinched his nose and stepped back