Chapter 1; Kira’s POV
My fingers trembled as I read through the diagnosis in utter disbelief.
“Wh…What? How is this possible? Please tell me there’s a mistake!” I begged the physician, but he only shook his head, his expression heavy with pity.
“I am truly sorry, Luna Kira. The test leaves no room for doubt. Your daughter has a rare and aggressive form of pediatric werewolf cancer,” the physician murmured softly.
My entire world collapsed right beneath my feet. Cancer was extremely rare in lycans due to our rapid healing cells, making it among the deadliest conditions known to affect young wolves, with zero documented cures once it reached this stage.
Air refused to enter my lungs.
I looked over at my sweet, innocent little girl, Nora, who was sitting across the room. Catching my gaze, Nora offered a bright, beaming smile that shattered my heart into pieces. She possessed so much vitality. How could fate be so cruel to her?
“How long does she have left?” I asked, forcing a faint smile to hide my agony.
He exhaled deeply. “Four weeks,” he stated.
I spun around to face him, my eyes wide with panic. “What? Four weeks?! That isn't enough time!” I cried out, unable to keep my voice down.
The physician offered a sorrowful look. “There is never enough time when it comes to losing those we love. All you can do now is ensure her final days are filled with joy.”
Tears spilled over my lashes. Nora had been running a severe, persistent fever—an anomaly for werewolf youth—which was why I had rushed her to the pack clinic for an evaluation.
“What am I supposed to do?” I sobbed, clutching my mouth in despair. “She’s only seven years old! I can't lose my child!”
The physician offered a grim nod. “I am deeply sorry, Luna Kira. I wish I could offer a different outcome.”
My hands shook uncontrollably as I collected the medical papers from his desk. A heavy weight pressed against my chest as the harsh reality sank in. My little Nora wasn't going to make it.
“I hesitate to give you false hope, Luna,” the physician added, pausing for a moment. “However, there is a slight possibility.”
I froze instantly. “A possibility?”
A surge of hope rushed through my veins, my heart thumping wildly against my ribs.
“Our research wing is currently attempting to synthesize an experimental treatment targeted for this specific werewolf cancer. Early trials have yielded mixed results, so we are keeping expectations grounded. But testing is ongoing—with luck, a breakthrough might happen.”
I tried not to cling to the idea, yet I couldn't stop myself. Nora had a fighting chance. If the healers made progress, my daughter could be saved.
“Mama?” Nora’s soft voice chimed from my side. “Are you okay? What’s wrong? I’m going to be alright, right?”
I brushed away my tears quickly, turning toward her with a bright, fake smile. “Of course you will be, sweetie. You just need plenty of rest and good food,” I said hurriedly, attempting to comfort her.
I bit my inner cheek to hold back the sobs as I gathered the medical files.
On the journey home, Nora babbled happily about her upcoming eighth birthday party just a month away. I had to fight with everything inside me to keep from breaking down—knowing that unless a cure arrived, my baby girl wouldn't live past that month.
Nora suddenly fell quiet, and I glanced down at her, concerned.
“Mama?” Nora murmured softly. “Do you think Daddy can come to my party this time? I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Nora rarely requested anything from us. Her single desire had always been her father's presence, but Damon was never around.
Damon Vance was the Alpha of the Bloodmoon Pack, as well as my bound mate.
Alpha Damon detested Nora simply because of his hatred toward me, and Nora suffered endlessly for it. She longed so deeply for a father's love.
My heart shattered all over again, tears clouding my vision. Right then and there, I silently promised to do whatever it took to secure her father's affection for her, at least for as long as her remaining time allowed.
The moment we stepped inside our house, I tucked Nora into bed and dialed Damon’s phone.
“Damon, we need to speak,” I whispered into the receiver.
I could immediately detect his annoyance over the line when he responded curtly. “What is it now? I’m tied up with important matters.”
I ignored the sharp pain his coldness caused. It was a daily reality, yet it never stopped hurting. “Please... you need to spend quality time with Nora.” My voice wavered.
Damon let out a scoff of exasperation. “Kira, I don't have time for your endless drama. Seraphina requires my help with her daughter, Chloe, so my schedule is completely full.”
Hearing the names Seraphina and Chloe felt like a blade twisting in my chest. Seraphina was Damon's former lover who had vanished years ago, only to reappear recently alongside her young daughter.
I refused to back down. “This cannot wait, Damon.” It took every ounce of my willpower to keep from breaking down into hysterical sobs.
He let out a low, irritated growl. “What could possibly be so urgent that you keep—”
I cut him off abruptly. “Nora is critically ill. She has cancer, and she doesn't have much time left.”
