(Audrey’s POV)

When I returned to the Wolf Medical Center, Elder Shadowcrest was already asleep. Her breathing was steady, her face peaceful despite the silver poisoning that was slowly iming her life.

I adjusted her nket, making sure she wasfortable for the night. The pack healer approached quietly, clipboard in hand.

“She’s been resting well,” he informed me in a hushed tone. “Her vital signs are stable for now.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “Please call me immediately if there’s any change in her condition.”

After leaving detailed instructions with the healer about her care, I headed out to my car. The emotional weight of the day- from Arthur’s dinner to Florian’s territory den to my grandmother’s diagnosis-left me utterly drained. I decided to check into a territory hotel for the night rather than make the long drive back to Central Territory.

The hotel was simple but clean. I copsed onto the bed without even changing, staring at the ceiling as my mind raced with worries about my grandmother’s condition. Sleep eventually imed me, though it was restless and filled with troubled dreams.

The next morning, I woke early, eager to return to my grandmother’s side. I’d just finished getting ready when my phone rang. Healer Reed’s Beta assistant’s name shed on the screen.

“Good morning, Ms. Winter,” the assistant said, his voice noticeably strained. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Not at all,” I replied, immediately sensing something was wrong. “Is everything alright?”

The assistant hesitated. “I was wondering if you had informed your pack about Healer Reed taking over Elder Shadowcrest’s treatment?”

I frowned, confused by the question. “No, I assumed the Wolf Medical Center would handle the administrative details. Has something happened?”

“Well,” he began cautiously, “members of the Shadowcrest pack arrived about thirty minutes ago. They’ve identified themselves as Elder Shadowcrest’s daughter-inw and granddaughter, and they’re… rejecting Healer Reed’s involvement in the treatment.”

A cold sensation washed over me as understanding dawned. The Shadowcrest family-particrly Emma and her mother- were moving quickly to prevent my grandmother’s recovery. If Elder Shadowcrest died, they’d have easier ess to the pack will and hunting grounds.

“I’m so sorry for this trouble,” I said, grabbing my car keys. “Please tell Healer Reed I’ll resolve this immediately. I’m on my way.”

“We understand pack politics can beplicated,” the assistant replied diplomatically. “Healer Reed is waiting outside the healing chamber.”

I drove to the Wolf Medical Center with a growing sense of urgency, my knuckles white against the steering wheel. Every second felt crucial. I knew the Shadowcrest family would do anything to maintain their grip on the pack’s resources.

When I arrived, I found Healer Reed standing in the corridor outside my grandmother’s healing chamber, his expression carefully neutral despite the obvious tension. His silver-streaked fur seemed more pronounced under the harsh medical center lighting.

“Healer Reed, I apologize for this situation,” I said, approaching him quickly. “I should have anticipated this interference.” The older wolf offered a slight smile. “Not your fault, Ms. Winter. I’ve been practicing long enough to recognize pack drama when I see it.” He nced at the closed door. “I’ll give you some space to handle this. Perhaps I’ll get some fresh venison in the meantime.”

After he walked away, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I needed to handle this confrontation carefully. Too much was at stake.

I approached the door and knocked firmly. “Emma Shadowcrest, open this door.”

There was a pause, then shuffling sounds. A momentter, the door opened to reveal Emma’s perfectlyposed face, her expression a study in fake innocence. She wore an expensive outfit that screamed of privilege and entitlement.

“Oh, Audrey,” she said with feigned surprise. “How nice of you to join us. Mother and I were just discussing Grandmother’s care.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “We’re concerned about this… healer you’ve brought in. His credentials seem questionable. He might worsen her condition.”

I couldn’t help butugh-a cold, humorless sound that echoed in the hallway. “Worsen her condition? Or are you afraid he might improve it?”

Emma’s carefully crafted mask slipped for a moment, revealing the calction beneath. “What are you implying?”

“I’m not implying anything,” I replied, stepping closer until we were almost nose to nose. “I’m stating clearly that you’re interfering with her treatment because you’re afraid she’ll recover. A living Elder Shadowcrestpromises your ns for the pack hunting grounds, doesn’t it?”

Emma’s expression hardened, her eyes shing with anger. “How dare you? Where were you for the past two years while we cared for her? Livingfortably as a pampered Luna in Central Territory, weren’t you? And now you suddenly want to interfere?”

Her words stung, but I refused to show it. “I’m her actual granddaughter,” I said, my voice dropping dangerously low. “What right do you have to interfere with her care?”

Emma opened her mouth to reply but found herself speechless. The truth was undeniable-my return had put her in a disadvantageous position. I could see the panic rising in her eyes as she realized she was losing ground.

Mrs. Shadowcrest stepped forward from inside the room, her eyes cold as ice as she ced a supportive hand on Emma’s shoulder. Her perfectly coiffed hair and elegant attire couldn’t hide the hardness in her expression.

“I am an elder of this pack,” she stated firmly, her voice carrying the weight of someone ustomed to being obeyed. “And you, Audrey Winter, still carry the surname ‘Winter,’ not ‘Shadowcrest.’ You abandoned this pack and your grandmother years ago. If you had any decency, you would relinquish your intentions of returning to the Shadowcrest pack.”

I chuckled softly, meeting her gaze directly. “Surnames are irrelevant, and you know it. What’s more interesting is why the ‘ mother’ is so eager to guard her ‘adopted daughter’ from my return.” I paused meaningfully. “Could there be something more between you two that you’re afraid mighte to light?”

Mrs. Shadowcrest’s face paled, then flushed with anger. Her hands trembled slightly—I’d hit a nerve.

“How dare you insinuate such a thing!” she hissed, her voice shaking with rage. “Emma has always been caring and gentle, unlike your offensive nature. That’s why she’s a true Shadowcrest!”

She pointed a trembling finger at me, stepping closer. “You should abandon any thought of returning to the Shadowcrest pack. You don’t belong here!”

I stood my ground, refusing to be intimidated. “I’m back in Northern Territory now,” I replied calmly. “And I’ll do everything in my power to heal my grandmother.”

Mrs. Shadowcrest’s lips curved into a cold smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Go ahead and try. Let’s see if you can actually do anything about it. Don’t expect Arthur Moonstone to help you eternally.”

I deliberately changed tactics, shifting to a topic I knew would destabilize her. “Speaking of assistance, does ‘Father’ know about the true nature of your rtionship with Emma?”

The question hit its mark with the precision of a silver arrow. Mrs. Shadowcrest’sposure shatteredpletely. Her face contorted with fury as she raised her hand to strike me.

I was faster. I caught her wrist mid-air, gripping it firmly enough to make her wince. Her reaction confirmed what I’d suspected all along.

“So he doesn’t know,” I said quietly, watching the fear flicker in her eyes. “How interesting.”

I released her arm and stepped back, satisfied by the terror now evident on her face. “Let me make something very clear. If you continue to obstruct my grandmother’s treatment, I’llunch a thorough investigation into your activities—or better yet, I’ll simply inform my father directly.”

Her eyes widened with rm as the implications sank in. I pressed my advantage, wanting to drive the point home.

“And with Arthur Moonstone’s resources behind me, I assure you, no secret will remain hidden for long. Do you understand?” Mrs. Shadowcrest’s face contorted with rage, but she said nothing as she grabbed Emma’s arm and pulled her toward the door. Emma looked back at me with hatred burning in her eyes before following her mother.

At the threshold, Mrs. Shadowcrest turned back, unable to resist a final barb.

“This isn’t over, Serena,” she hissed, using my birth name deliberately. “You won’t win.”

The door mmed behind them, the sound echoing in the corridor. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, feeling both victorious and exhausted.

After they left, I dismissed the old pack healer they had installed, who seemed relieved to be removed from the family conflict. The elderly wolf gathered his things quickly, avoiding eye contact as he hurried away.

I was about to turn toward Healer Reed, who was returning down the corridor, when I heard additional footsteps approaching. The distinct sound of wheels on the polished floor caught my attention.

To my surprise, it was Florian Stormhowl, expertly maneuvering his wheeled healing chair toward us. He looked different today-less hostile, more purposeful.

“I’m here to visit your grandmother,” he stated simply, his golden eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my heart skip.

Before I could respond, a small figure popped out from behind his chair, startling me.”Auntie!” He eximed excitedly, beaming at me.