Chapter 5

Setting: Starfall Pack

Melody Reese

The moment Lilith presented a small, clear bottle of a boiled, deep brownish liquid, my whole body froze. That was it—my goodbye to any hope of ever breastfeeding. I didn't want to admit that it was a rushed decision, a path that I was forced to take to preserve my sanity.

"Are you sure about this?" We were in her basement, where she hid her most dangerous herbs. Despite it being dark, I could see everything clearly. There were stacks of boxes everywhere, small bottles arranged on dusty shelves, and so many other things I had no idea what they were. I finally looked at the older woman, wiping my wet cheeks with the back of my shaky hand.

"I have to." My voice was thick with emotion and barely a whisper, even though I had tried to make it as firm as I could. With a single nod from Lilith, I said thank you before exiting her basement. I took the first sip the moment I got to the living room, clearing my throat when it burned. I couldn't stop the sputt