When Harley heard my words, her whole body shrank back. “I really didn’t…” “This room reeks of a strong medicinal scent. Most people wouldn’t know what it is, but I do—it’s an Eastern salve for treating bruises and injuries.” She’s hardly stepped outside for years; how could she possibly have gotten hurt? Which meant her so-called illness had to have another cause. “Ms. Harley, I’ll keep your secret. I won’t tell anyone.” When she still said nothing, I softened my tone. “Harley, trust me, will you?” Her eyes reddened; tears began to slip down her face. “Don’t cry. Tell me, and I’ll help you.” She drew a long breath, then spoke in a trembling voice. “My mom cut the fated mate bond with my dad. A few years later, when I was four, she left the pack and married Caleb.” I sat quietly, listening. “At first Caleb treated us decently enough. But it didn’t take long for his true nature to show. Whenever my mom wasn’t around, he’d beat me. She’d finally found another fated mate—it hadn’t been easy—and she loved him deeply. So even though he hit me, I didn’t resent it; I just wanted her to be happy. That’s why I never told even Trent.” As she spoke, tears streamed down her cheeks, grief etched into her face. “And your photophobia?” I asked. Harley lifted her head, her expression twisted with pain. “I don’t have photophobia. I just didn’t want to see anyone. I was always covered in bruises from his beatings, and I was afraid people would notice. So I made up an illness as an excuse to hide.” Her voice broke into sobs again. “All these years, the only one who never abandoned me was Trent. He still came by every so often, just to keep me company.” I let out a sigh. “Why didn’t you fight back?” Did she really mean to live her life this way—enduring it in silence? “How could I fight back in this situation? You’re just a young woman yourself—you can treat me, but saving me from this hell is another matter. My mom loves him too much; I can’t bear to disappoint her,” Harley murmured, lowering her head. I straightened, my voice firm. “And how do you know she wouldn’t be disappointed in you for staying silent? You saw the way she looked at you just now. Do you really think this is what she wants? Her own daughter suffering just so she can be happy? What mother could learn the truth and not be heartbroken? Talk to her, Harley. The happiness you imagine may only be your wishful thinking.” Her lips parted, but no words came; she couldn’t argue. Watching her shrink back, timid and hesitant, I turned and walked to the door. Trent and Carmen were waiting outside. Looking at Carmen, I said, “Ma’am, could you step in?” Then I glanced at Trent. “You too.” He gave a short nod and followed. “Madam Carmen, Harley isn’t sick,” I said. Carmen’s eyes widened. “That’s impossible—how?” “Look at her injuries, and you’ll understand.” Carmen approached cautiously and pulled back Harley’s long sleeves and pants. Sure enough, her body was covered in scars—slashes, lash marks, bruises where fingers had dug into her skin. The sight was horrific; Carmen’s tears fell in torrents. “Your mate Caleb did this to her. That’s why she pretended to be ill—just so no one would see.” Carmen broke down, guilt written all over her face as she clutched her daughter. “My poor girl… why didn’t you tell me? You’ve suffered so much!” Mother and daughter wept together, clinging to each other. I stood silently nearby, not intruding. “Thank you, Ms. Beck. Without you, I don’t know how much longer Harley would’ve had to endure that monster,” Carmen said at last, stroking Harley’s hair before lifting her gaze to me. “And what will you do now?” I asked. Her eyes hardened. “I’ll sever the fated mate bond. I married him because I thought he’d give Harley a good life. I was a fool; I made a terrible mistake.” I looked at Harley’s battered body, a thought rising unbidden. “But these wounds can’t be in vain; Caleb must be held accountable.” Carmen faltered, her worry plain. “But… the Stoneforge Pack of the Mariah family is a powerful clan in Capital City. I’m just a low-ranked wolf, cast out of my pack; how could I ever stand against him?” At that, Trent let out a cold laugh. “Stoneforge? They’re nothing. They’re not even a tenth of Tempest Pack’s strength. Harley is my friend; after what she’s suffered, I’ll make sure he pays.” Harley’s eyes flickered with memory. “Once, when he was drunk and beating me, he mumbled something about colluding with Lawson Corp to evade taxes—1.8 billions dollars worth. Maybe… maybe that could be evidence to bring him down.”