Chapter 8
Aurora’s POV
Over the past ten years, Alpha Jareth had treated me with a fair respect and care.
So, whether out of duty or emotion, I knew I should come back and repay that kindness.
I temporarily set aside my grudges with Xavier and rushed back overnight to the Darkfire Pack.
Alpha Jareth was already on his deathbed, and it was clear he was near the end. His aged face was etched with sorrow and regret.
“Aurora, I’ve wronged you. The entire pack has wronged you.
I had been young and naive when I became Xavier’s Luna.
But Alpha Jareth, who had spent half his life fighting as a lone wolf, must be aware of how unfair
that contract was.
He had severed every other possibility for my future, luring me into signing a contract that buried
my happiness in a golden cage.
I remained silent for a while before finally saying, “I don’t blame you. It was a choice I made willingly. I don’t blame anyone.”
“I spoiled Xavier.”
“Whatever outcome awaits him in the future, he brought it upon himself. I won’t ask you to go back to him. I know that’s too much, but if he’s ever starving and penniless, I just hope you can give him a hand.”
The former Beta beside him handed me a contract. Alpha Jareth was preparing to transfer the majority of his shares and the pack’s assets into my name. He was even planning to entrust the company and the pack to me.
All that would be left for Xavier was one villa and a small portion of shares.
I chuckled softly and shook my head.
“Grandpa, that’s a heavy responsibility and is way too much for me to handle.”
“More importantly, I’ve already wasted ten years of my life on Xavier. The rest of my days —I want to live for myself. I don’t want anything more to do with him.”
Alpha Jareth truly doted on his grandson. Even on his deathbed, he was still scheming to pave the
Chapter 8
way for him. Didn’t matter whose lives got trampled in the process.
But I’m not that girl anymore. Xavier’s honeyed words won’t melt my resolve, and Jareth’s gilded
promises can’t buy my will.
I finally understood: every gift from fate comes with a hidden price tag.
Seeing how firm I was, Alpha Jareth began coughing violently, while Xavier’s emotions started to boil over.
His eyes turned red as he looked at me. He wanted to say something, but Alpha Jareth waved him off.
I gave them my goodbye. I didn’t want to stay any longer.
Just as I reached the door, I heard Alpha Jareth’s heartbroken scolding.
“Give it up.”
“All the wealth in the world won’t bring her back.”
“Xavier, you’ve gone too far.”
Then came the sharp wail of an alarm.
The former Alpha, who had exhausted himself for a lifetime, passed away with regret in his heart.
I asked the doctor to send a funeral wreath for Alpha Jareth. One final gesture to sever all ties between me and the Darkfire Pack. No more debts, no more ghosts.
As I reached the street corner, Xavier came running after me again. He fell to his knees in the middle of the crowded sidewalk.
“Aurora, Grandpa’s gone. I only have you now.”
“I know I was wrong. I’m willing to change. Just tell me–what will it take for you to come back to me?”
I could tell that this time, his remorse and apology were genuine. But I had heard those same promises too many times over the past ten years.
I looked at a child running down the sidewalk and his mother gently wiping sweat for him.
After a long silence, I finally spoke.
“Unless… time turns back and the dead return to life.”
Chapter 8
Realizing there was nothing he could do, Xavier broke down in sobs.
He was like a spoiled child, trying to use tears to get what he wanted.
Lignored him.
As his cries echoed behind me, I flagged down a taxi.
The car carried me toward the rising sun.
No hesitation.
No turning back.
Chapter 8
