Ronan Duskcliff stared at the retreating backs of his parents, despair slowly drowning his eyes like an approaching storm. "Scarlett didn't mean to... I swear," he murmured to himself. His legs gave out, and he slumped onto the cold iron bench, arms limp at his sides, eyes clouded with disorientation. Even now, he couldn't understand how everything had spiraled this far out of control. He had always believed he was protecting the pack-maintaining order, soothing Riley's growing hatred toward Scarlett. But in trying to suppress the fire, he had only fed it. Now Riley loathed him more than ever. And that lunatic Lucien Duskgrave was openly targeting him. He was supposed to be the heir of the mighty Blackmaw Pack, the next Alpha of a legacy built in blood and honor. Now he sat caged like a rogue. His brows tightened further. If Riley hadn't stirred up trouble at Matriarch Duskgrave's celebration, none of this would've happened. He and Scarlett would still be safe, untouched. But that woman... five years in prison had stripped her of all the softness he once remembered. She'd become cold, unpredictable. He couldn't know-couldn't possibly imagine-how much shame would come with that belief once Tessa returned and the truth shattered everything he thought he knew. Every thoughtless word he had spoken in Scarlett's defense... every silent betrayal of Riley... would become knives. Knives that would drive deep into his own heart-relentless, merciless. And the guilt... would be eternal. Even if he fell to his knees one day, begging Riley for forgiveness, she wouldn't even spare him a glance. That kind of indifference-of being discarded like nothing-would be worse than death itself. And yet, even now, Ronan Duskcliff clung stubbornly to his version of the story. As if none of it had been his fault. At the Duskgrave Estate, all eyes were locked onto Riley. Not a soul in the room tried to hide their concern. Even a minor burn on her wrist had sent a wave of unease rippling through the high-ranking wolves of the Stormridge Pack. Matriarch Duskgrave gripped Riley's wrist gently, her old but steady hands trembling with worry. "Lucien," she said firmly, "take her to the pack infirmary. Now." To Riley, such warmth was foreign. Bewildering. But oh, how she longed to stay wrapped in it. The genuine concern, the affection that didn't demand something in return... it seeped into the deepest cracks of her heart, tempting her to believe-just for a moment-that she could belong here. That perhaps the rest of her life could be spent near this fiercely protective Matriarch... and Lucien. But logic-cold and ruthless-struck back like a bucket of ice water. Riley knew better. She knew what Matriarch Duskgrave truly wanted-for her to bond with Lucien. But Riley's body... her soul... had been fractured beyond repair. She was no longer a whole woman, no longer a worthy mate. She couldn't be so selfish. She couldn't chain someone like Lucien Duskgrave to the ruins of a dying wolf. She gently pulled back her arm and spoke with quiet sincerity. "Matriarch... I've already treated the burn. It's nothing serious, truly. Please, don't trouble yourself." But the elder wolf refused to be pacified. Her silver brows knitted together. "Burns are not trivial, child. If it scars, you'll regret not treating it properly. And your health-goddess above-we still haven't done a full diagnostic since your release. You're too thin. Pale. We must get it done." Ever since learning of the horrors Riley endured in prison-her injuries, the fact that she'd lost a kidney-Matriarch Duskgrave had made Riley's health her constant worry. But the affairs of the Pack had delayed her plans again and again. Now that Lucien was finally home, she was determined not to wait any longer. Riley's eyes flickered with unease. She knew the Matriarch's concern was real. But if they went through with those tests... the scars, the damage, the truth about her hearing loss-none of it could remain hidden. And she didn't want them to see her as weak. As a burden. She didn't want to disrupt this fragile peace, this beautiful illusion that she still had a place in their world. "I promise... I'm fine," she said, firmer this time, her expression unwavering. Matriarch Duskgrave exhaled heavily, finally nodding-though her eyes remained stormy with reluctance.She reached out again, brushing her thumb gently over Riley's hand with motherly tenderness. "If anything hurts-anything at all-you must tell me immediately, do you understand? You don't have to bear it alone anymore." Riley nodded obediently. But her gaze dropped to the floor, veiling the shimmer of tears that had welled in her eyes. She would not let the Matriarch see her cry. She would not let this precious kindness become a burden for those who had given her sanctuary. When she raised her head again, the tears were gone-swallowed by a resilient, gentle smile that warmed the hearts of those around her.