Chapter 39
Abandoned? I was stunned. My mind struggled to process what Fenris was suggesting. How could Tristan possibly feel abandoned when he was the bic who had pushed me away repeatedly?
The absurdity of it made me want to laugh and scream simultaneously. For years I’d carried the weight of his rejection, using it to fortify the walls arou my heart, and now Fenris casually suggested that somehow, impossibly, Tristan was the victim in our story. The idea was so contrary to everything I’d experienced that I couldn’t even find words to challenge it.
1 studied Fenris, so different from the imposing Alpha I remembered. Seeing him weakened and heartbroken pierced something deep within me.
My original plan to see Fenris briefly and leave immediately now seemed callous. These people needed connection–needed family–even if they couldn’t know about their grandchildren. The thought of my twins never knowing their grandparents made my chest ache.
Astrid moved restlessly inside me, feelings as conflicted as my own. She yearned to be near Tristan’s wolf again, yet remained wary of the danger he represented to our little family.
“How have you been these past years? Isolde asked after a comfortable silence had settled between us.
I chose my words carefully, avoiding mention of my Ravencroft heritage or my purple wolf. “I found shelter in Moonshade Pack.”
“How did they accept you?” Fenris asked, curiosity brightening his tired eyes.
“My- I caught myself before saying “brother” and quickly redirected. “The journey after leaving was difficult, but the Moon Goddess watched over me. Alpha Alaric found me during a border patrol.”
I focused on my breathing, keeping my voice steady. “I was in terrible condition. He could have turned me away, but he offered sanctuary. After we talked, he allowed me to join their pack. He’s a fair and compassionate Alpha.”
A smile formed unconsciously as I thought of Alaric’s fierce protection of me and the twins. How naturally he’d stepped into the role of uncle, teaching Orion to fish and reading bedtime stories to Lyra.
“You seem to have formed strong bonds with the Moonshade Pack,” Fenris observed quietly.
“Yes. They accepted me, gave me a sense of home again. I admire Alpha Alaric’s dedication to tradition and responsibility.”
Isolde smiled warmly. “We saw the announcement about you and Beta Kieran.” Her eyes softened. “We’re truly happy you’ve found new happiness.”
I hesitated, realizing she referred to Kieran’s social media “engagement” post. “Beta Kieran is… is he kind to you?” Fenris asked.
Memories of Kieran’s unwavering support flooded my mind.
“He’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. We…” I paused, not wanting to lie but unable to explain fully. “He’s been my steadfast supporter through everything.”
Isolde reached out, her cool fingers gently brushing my cheek. “You know, I always sensed something special about you. Your inner strength. Whatever happens, trust the path the Moon Goddess has laid for you.”
I gazed at her, remembering how distant she’d been when I first arrived at Silverblood, compared to this maternal tenderness now. An odd familial bond pulled at me—warm yet painful, knowing my children were being denied the chance to know their grandparents.
For a wild moment, I considered telling them a portion of the truth–that Tristan’s bloodline continued whether he knew it or not.
Just as I opened my mouth to speak, the door quietly opened. A team of doctors entered, their movements practiced and efficient. Isolde and I stood respectfully as they approached.
The medical team bowed slightly to Fenris and Isolde –
-a gesture of respect for the former Alpha couple that persisted despite their retirement.
My breath caught when I recognized Dr. Rylan Jones at the front of the group. His eyes, sharp with professional assessment, softened when they landed on me. Shock registered on his face, followed quickly by undisguised delight.
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Chapter 39
Loffered him a smile. “Dr. Rylan,” I said softly. It’s been a long time.
Dr. Rylan’s eyes widened at the sight of me, recognition shifting his professional demeanor: His gaze briefly touched on Walde and Fervid bet that h back to me with barely concealed shock.
“Lysandra?” My name escaped him in a hushed tone, as if speaking it too loudly might make me disappear
Dr. Rylan, I replied, unable to stop the genuine smile spreading across my face. ‘How are you?
Weil enough. His eyes conveyed a hundred unspoken questions. It’s been quite some time.
“Yes, a very long time indeed.”
Something in his expression told me he was unsure whether Tristan knew about my return. The slight tension in his shoulders, the cautious way be placed toward the door–he was concerned about navigating this unexpected reunion.
I’m here to see Fenris, I clarified, hoping to ease his worries.
He nodded, relief relaxing his features. “I see.”
The other doctors on his team studied me with unconcealed curiosity as I stepped aside to let them approach the bed. The way their gazes lingered suggested they were trying to place me in the pack hierarchy.
“Rylan, dear,” Isolde said, drawing his attention. “Is everything alright?”
Dr. Rylan nodded and moved toward Fenris’s bed. I noticed the file clutched in his hands, the edges creased from being held too tightly.
“The results are in, he announced, his voice carefully measured. “I’ll need to discuss the treatment options with Alpha Tristan.”
Fenris shifted against his pillows. “You don’t need to speak with him. Tell me directly about my condition.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Wolfbane, but this is serious. I can’t disclose anything without your Alpha present.”
Something in Dr. Rylan’s expression made my stomach tighten. Whatever the file contained wasn’t good news. One of the doctors helped Fenris lie back while another prepared an injection.
“This will provide temporary relief, the second doctor explained, sliding the needle into Fenris’s arm.
“Can anyone explain what’s happening to my husband?” Isolde’s voice cracked with anger and fear.
I sighed and stepped toward Dr. Rylan. “May I see the report?”
Everyone froze, surprise written clearly across their faces. Dr. Rylan frowned but handed the file to me after a moment’s hesitation.
I scanned the documents, medical terminology jumping out at me. My chest tightened as I read. Fenris’s wolf was severely weakened, barely responding to pack bonds or moon energy anymore. The connection between man and wolf–the core of werewolf existence–was deteriorating.
I continued reading about his symptoms and suffering, each word making the situation clearer. “He needs treatment to restore his inner wolf’s strength.
Dr. Rylan stared at me. ‘How do you know what he needs? How can you interpret these results?”
I avoided his gaze, not wanting to reveal my medical qualifications earned over the past five years at Moonshade Pack Hospital. “What treatment options do we have?”
He understood my deflection and played along.“He needs Lunaris Essence therapy. It’s a specialized treatment that can heal the inner wolf.”
Isolde’s shoulders relaxed slightly at the mention of a potential cure.-
‘Our pack doesn’t have that treatment,” one doctor interjected. “It’s extremely rare and valuable.”
