The day after my Alpha mate's precious childhood sweetheart Sage accused me of sending rogue wolves to attack her, my mate Kael, along with our two sons, suspended my brother above a massive cauldron of boiling silver, threatening to throw him into the molten metal that would burn him alive.

I went insane, rushing toward them, but the pack warriors held me back with iron grips.

"Do you understand your mistake now?" Kael stood nearby in his perfectly tailored suit, his eyes cold as winter frost, his voice laced with ice. "Will you ever dare to hurt Sage again?"

"I didn't attack her!" I cried, struggling against the warriors' hold. "Kael, let my brother go! He's only eighteen! He just got accepted to Harvard!"

Five-year-old River crossed his small arms, his face emotionless. "The evidence is clear. Why are you still lying?"

Four-year-old Stone nodded along, his tone innocent yet cruel. "Mommy, if you're so scared of Uncle dying, you shouldn't have attacked Aunt Sage. She's our precious one."

My heart contracted violently.

Sage was their precious one. Then what was I? What did I mean to them?

I looked toward Kael, hoping he might spare my brother for the sake of our years as mates.

But he only stared at me coldly, his gaze like he was looking at a complete stranger.

I suddenly laughed, though tears streamed down my face.

They thought it was just a dummy tied up there and they were just trying to scare me.

They didn't realize that Sage had someone switch out that dummy. What's frying in the silver now is my dear little brother.

In the boiling silver, my brother's body was already burned beyond recognition.

But when I completely gave up and left, why did three men kneel down and beg me to come back?

The day after my Alpha mate's precious childhood sweetheart accused me of sending rogue wolves to attack her, my mate Kael, along with our two sons, suspended my brother above a massive cauldron of boiling silver, threatening to throw him into the molten metal that would burn him alive.

I went insane, rushing toward them, but the pack warriors held me back with iron grips.

"Do you understand your mistake now?" Kael stood nearby in his perfectly tailored suit, his eyes cold as winter frost, his voice laced with ice. "Will you ever dare to hurt Sage again?"

"I didn't attack her!" I cried, struggling against the warriors' hold. "Kael, let my brother go! He's only eighteen! He just got accepted to Harvard!"

Five-year-old River crossed his small arms, his face emotionless. "The evidence is clear. Why are you still lying?"

Four-year-old Stone nodded along, his tone innocent yet cruel. "Mommy, if you're so scared of Uncle dying, you shouldn't have attacked Aunt Sage. She's our precious one."

My heart contracted violently.

Sage was their precious one. Then what was I? What did I mean to them?

I looked toward Kael, hoping he might spare my brother for the sake of our years as mates.

But he only stared at me coldly, his gaze like he was looking at a complete stranger.

I suddenly laughed, though tears streamed down my face.

After all these years, he still only loved Sage.

Memories cut into my heart like silver blades.

Kael, Sage, and I had grown up together in the same pack. I loved Kael, but he only had eyes for Sage. I could only silently bless them, even helping him plan his confession.

But just before Kael was about to confess his feelings, Sage's plane crashed. No remains were ever found.

After that, Kael drowned himself in wine every night, becoming a shell of himself.

I stayed by his side, watching over him. When he passed out drunk, I made him herbal remedies. When he had internal bleeding, I stayed awake all night caring for him.

One night, when Kael was heavily intoxicated, he grabbed my wrist, murmuring Sage's name, and pinned me beneath him.

I could have pushed him away.

But I loved him too much. I was willing to be a substitute.

The next morning, he stared at the blood on the sheets for a long time before finally saying, "I'll take responsibility. We'll get mated."

We became mates.

After our mating ceremony, I did everything I could to please him.

He had stomach problems, so I woke up early every day to prepare healing broths. When he was busy with pack business, I learned to help him with documents. When he had nightmares, I stayed awake all night comforting him.

Gradually, the way Kael looked at me changed.

He seemed to start caring for me too. He remembered my favorite foods, personally prepared herbal teas during my cycles, and would gently kiss my forehead when I slept.

Later, we had River and Stone.

Both pups were devoted to me, and Kael would often pull me into his arms with a smile, saying, "My mate, you've worked so hard."

Those five years were the happiest time of my life.

Until—

Sage suddenly "rose from the dead," reappearing before him.

In that moment, I clearly saw Kael's eyes instantly ignite with light.

What made me even more desperate was that River and Stone, my two sons, quickly turned toward Sage as well.

"Aunt Sage is so much gentler than Mommy!"

"Aunt Sage plays games with us. Mommy just tells us what to do!"

"Daddy, can we make Aunt Sage our mommy?"

Every time, Kael would just glance at me briefly, then ruffle our sons' hair, saying, "Don't talk nonsense."

But he never contradicted them.

I felt like an outsider, watching helplessly as my stolen five years of happiness completely shattered the moment Sage returned.

And now, they were using such cruel methods to force me to admit to a crime I didn't commit.

"I didn't attack her!" I pulled myself from the memories, my voice shaking. "Kael, let him go!"

Kael's eyes were ice-cold. "Since you're so stubborn, then experience the pain of losing what you love most."

He raised his hand, and a warrior immediately cut the rope!

"No—!"

I watched helplessly as the rope snapped and my brother's body plummeted straight toward the boiling silver.

I lunged forward like a madwoman, but the warriors pressed me down. I could only scream in despair: "Kael! You killed him! You killed him!"

The pain tore through me as I suddenly spat out fresh blood. River saw this and rolled his eyes impatiently. "Enough already. That wasn't even Uncle up there, just a dummy. Mommy, why are you so dramatic?"

Stone snorted too. "Yeah, we were just scaring you. That's what you get for hurting Aunt Sage."

My whole body went limp as I collapsed heavily to the ground, my heart nearly stopping.

Kael looked down at me from above. "Remember this feeling. Sage died and came back to life. I can't lose her a second time."

He paused, his tone softening slightly. "I know what you're worried about. I'm already mated to you, so I'll fulfill my duties as a mate and father. I won't sever mate bond with you. So stop trying to drive Sage away."

I looked up at him, trembling.

But I was already preparing for sever the mate bond... I didn't want this mate who favored Sage, or these sons who adored her more than me.

Just as I was about to speak, Kael's phone rang.

"Sage?" He answered immediately, his tone instantly gentle. "You're in pain again? Alright, I'm coming right over."

After hanging up, he didn't even glance at me before quickly leaving with River and Stone.

The warehouse instantly became empty, leaving only me kneeling on the ground, tears falling into the dust.

I wiped away my tears and was about to stand when my phone suddenly vibrated.

A message from Sage appeared—

【Aria, I had someone switch out that dummy. What's frying in the silver now is your dear little brother.】

My blood instantly froze.

I stumbled toward the cauldron, scalding heat hitting my face and burning my eyes.

In the boiling silver, my brother's body was already burned beyond recognition, his skin charred black, limbs twisted and deformed. But his wolf form was still visible—and those eyes were still wide open, staring at me.

"Finn... Finn!"

I frantically reached for him, but the molten silver splashed onto my hand, instantly raising bloody blisters.

I trembled from the pain but still desperately tried to grab my brother's hand. He couldn't even make a sound anymore, just his lips slightly trembling, as if trying to call me "sister."

I had to save him!

Even if there was only the slightest hope!

I dialed 911 with shaking hands, then frantically lifted Finn and rushed out of the Blackwood family compound.

My whole body shook, tears blurring my vision, but I still held my brother tightly, stumbling as I flagged down a taxi.

"To the hospital! Fast! Please!" My voice was hoarse, nearly breaking.

The driver was startled by my blood-covered appearance and floored the gas pedal.

In the hospital corridor, I rushed into the emergency room holding my dying brother, but the nurse looked at me helplessly. "Ms. Aria, Alpha Kael just ordered all doctors to attend to Ms. Sage. There's no one available to operate on your brother..."

My whole body trembled as I immediately called Kael.

"Kael! Please... please get a doctor to save Finn! He fell into the silver! He's dying!"

On the other end, Kael's voice was cold as ice. "Aria, that was just a dummy. How long are you going to keep this up?"

In the background, I could hear River and Stone complaining.

"Why is Mommy always so unreasonable?"

"Daddy, ignore her. Aunt Sage is waiting for you."

Kael hung up directly.

I knelt on the ground, desperately begging everyone around me, but they all avoided me.

By the time I finally found a doctor willing to help, Finn's body had already gone cold.

"Finn... Finn!"

I held my brother's charred wolf form tightly, crying and screaming in despair, but the young wolf in my arms would never respond to me again.

He was dead.

Killed by the man I loved most.

Three days later, at the cemetery.

I stood before my brother's gravestone, my face completely drained of color.

For these three days, I'd been like the walking dead—handling death certificates, taking Finn to be cremated, and burying him with my own hands.

Kael and our two sons never showed up once.

I opened Sage's social media. Her latest post was a photo of Kael hand-feeding her soup, with the caption: 【Someone insists on taking care of me personally. I just can't handle him~】

Below were comments from River and Stone:

【Aunt Sage, get better soon! We want to go to the amusement park with you!】

【Aunt Sage is so much gentler than Mommy. We love you the most!】

I closed my phone, my expression turning completely cold.

I left the cemetery and did only two things.

First, I went to a law firm and drafted mate bond severance agreement.

Because Kael was an Alpha, I couldn't bear the pain of rejecting the mate bond with him outright.

So, I had no choice but to submit the severance agreement to the Alpha Council. Once they approved it, the magic within the seal would automatically sever our mate bond.

Second, I went to the Alpha Council's enforcement office and told the duty officer:

"I want to report Sage for intentional murder."

I'd just returned to the mansion to pack my things after filing the report when the front door was kicked open violently.

Kael stood in the doorway with a dark expression, River and Stone behind him. Both children's eyes were filled with rage, as if I'd committed some unforgivable crime.

"You're the one who reported Sage for murder?" Kael's voice was ice-cold. "Who did she kill? Are you ever going to stop this nonsense?"

Before I could answer, River rushed forward and shoved me. "Bad Mommy! Won't you be happy until you destroy Aunt Sage?"

Stone also lunged at me, his small fists pounding my legs. "You're so mean! Aunt Sage is so nice. Why are you trying to frame her?"

I stumbled backward from their pushes, my back slamming into the wardrobe. The pain made me gasp.

I looked at them with red eyes, my voice shaking. "She switched out the dummy for my brother. Finn was burned alive because of her... Was I wrong to report her to the authorities?"

All three of them froze.

Kael laughed coldly. "What are you talking about? Sage would never do something like that!"

I laughed too, tears streaming down my face. "Then call my brother right now. See if he picks up."

Kael frowned and pulled out his phone to dial Finn's number.

"Ring... ring..."

After a long wait, the call automatically ended.

No answer.

Kael's expression shifted slightly. Just as he was about to speak, the door was gently pushed open.

Sage walked in, her face pale as she leaned weakly against the doorframe. "I heard... Finn went on a graduation trip. The signal might be bad, so he didn't answer."

River and Stone immediately ran over, supporting her on both sides. "Aunt Sage! Why did you leave the hospital? Didn't the doctor say you needed to rest?"

Sage smiled helplessly. "When I heard that Aria reported me for murder, how could I not come explain?"

She looked at me with gentle, helpless eyes. "Aria, I know what you're worried about. Even though Kael and I loved each other before, we missed our chance. Now that you're mated to him, I'll only bless you silently. I would never destroy your family. You really don't need to frame me like this... Murder is such a serious accusation."

River immediately looked up at her adoringly. "Look at Aunt Sage's class! Now look at Mommy! The difference is obvious!"

Stone also pouted. "Brother's right. Mommy only lies and hurts people!"

My whole body trembled as my nails dug deep into my palms. "When the Council investigators get to the truth, you'll know who's right and who's wrong."

"Investigation?" Kael laughed coldly. "You framed Sage. That's the truth! What's there to investigate?"

He looked down at me, his tone allowing no argument. "I've already withdrawn the case and made some calls. In the entire Northern Territory, no one will dare take your case."

I stared at him in disbelief. Just as I was about to speak, my phone rang.

It was the enforcement office.

"Ms. Aria, we've dropped that case... Alpha Kael spoke up, and there's nothing we can do. You should... accept our condolences. In the entire Northern Territory, no one will dare take this case."

The call ended. I stood there, my whole body turning cold.

Pain, despair, anger... all these emotions pressed down on my heart. It felt like someone had ripped out a piece of my heart, the pain making my vision go black.

But then, I laughed.

Looking at my dearest husband and sons, I laughed until tears streamed down my face.

For some reason, Kael's heart suddenly tightened.

He softened his tone. "Alright, this ends here. I went too far this time and scared you. I apologize."

He paused. "Whatever compensation you want, I can give it to you."

My tears were still falling, but my gaze grew colder bit by bit.

I raised my hand to wipe away the tears and turned toward the drawer. My movements were slow, as if each step was a goodbye to my former self.

When I pulled out the mate bond severance agreement, my fingers trembled slightly—not from anger or sadness, but from an almost liberating calm.

"Sign this." I flipped to the last page, covering the beginning as I handed it to him. My voice was barely audible.

Kael glanced at it, thinking it was another request for jewelry or property. Wanting to end this drama quickly, he signed without really looking.

After signing, he looked up. "Sage isn't well, and there's no one to care for her at home. She'll be staying here for a few days."

I nodded numbly. "Do whatever you want."

I took the document and left without looking back.

At the law firm.

The lawyer carefully examined the mate bond severance agreement and nodded. "The signature is valid, Ms. Aria. I'll submit this to the Alpha Council. Once the review is complete in a month, your mate bond with Alpha Kael will be officially severed."

I gripped the documents tightly, my fingertips turning white.

Finally... it was going to end.

That evening, when I returned to the mansion, I heard laughter coming from the living room.

Sage sat on the couch with River and Stone snuggled against her on either side, listening to her tell a story.

"...And finally, the prince kissed the princess awake, and they lived happily ever after." Sage gently stroked both children's heads.

River looked up at her adoringly. "Aunt Sage, you're so much gentler than Mommy."

Stone nodded too. "I really wish you were our mommy..."

I stood in the doorway, feeling like someone had stabbed me straight through the heart.

I went upstairs expressionlessly and took a shower in the guest room bathroom.

The warm water washed over my body, but it couldn't wash away the coldness in my heart.

I closed my eyes, thinking, Don't worry. That wish of yours will come true very soon.

I'd barely laid down when the other side of the bed dipped.

Kael had finished his shower and lay down beside me.

I faced away from him, not moving.

Suddenly, he moved closer, his arm wrapping around my waist as his lips pressed against the back of my neck.

My whole body went rigid as I shoved him away!

Kael frowned. "I've given you the compensation you wanted, and your brother wasn't really hurt. How long are you going to keep this up?"

I was about to speak when—

"Knock knock knock!"

The door was tapped, and River's little head peeked in. "Daddy! The weather forecast says there's going to be thunder tonight. Didn't you say Aunt Sage is really scared of storms?"

Stone squeezed in too. "Daddy, hurry and keep Aunt Sage company! She's scared!"

Kael glanced at the dark clouds gathering outside and got up without hesitation.

Before leaving, he tossed out, "Sleep by yourself tonight."

He didn't close the door completely. Laughter and chatter drifted from the room next door.

"Kael, you came?" Sage's voice was soft.

"Daddy! Aunt Sage tells the best stories!" River said excitedly.

Stone whined sweetly, "Daddy, can we let Aunt Sage live here forever?"

Kael chuckled low. "Sure."

I lay in bed listening to their laughter and slowly closed my eyes.

The next morning, when I came downstairs, laughter was coming from the kitchen.

Kael stood at the counter wearing an apron, his long fingers gripping a spatula while Sage stood beside him, occasionally leaning in to smell the aroma, her eyes curved like crescents.

River and Stone circled around their legs, chattering with their little faces turned up.

"Kael, I can't believe you still remember what I like to eat after all these years." Sage's voice was soft, touched with emotion.

Kael turned to look at her, his gaze holding a tenderness he'd never shown me. "I've never forgotten for a moment."

He plated the sunny-side-up eggs and pushed them toward Sage. "Try it. See if the taste has changed."

Sage took a bite, her expression brightening. "It tastes even better than before."

River immediately raised his hand. "Aunt Sage, when Daddy's busy, I'll cook for you!"

Stone bounced along in agreement. "I'll learn too! I'll make it even better than Daddy!"

Sage laughed out loud, ruffling both children's hair while Kael watched them, his stern features softening with a smile.

I stood at the bottom of the stairs, pulling my lips into a self-mocking smile.

All these years, because Kael was very picky about food, and both children had been pampered and picky since birth, I'd worked tirelessly to serve this family.

But it turned out...

Someone like Kael, who never lifted a finger for household tasks, would cook for the person he loved.

Children like River and Stone, usually spoiled and willful, could be this considerate.

I was as humble as dust before them, yet they willingly bent over backward for Sage.

The one who loves first really does lose completely.

When Kael turned around with breakfast, he finally saw me.

"You're up?" His tone was flat. "We're heading out in a bit and didn't have time to make yours. Handle it yourself."

I didn't say anything.

I knew Kael wasn't short on time. He just wanted to focus entirely on cooking for Sage alone.

The aroma from the kitchen made my stomach clench painfully, but I said nothing. I quietly walked into the kitchen and made myself a bowl of plain noodle soup.

After breakfast, Kael and Sage were taking the two children to an amusement park.

River suddenly grabbed them. "Wait! We have something for you!"

He and Stone ran upstairs and came back down with four matching T-shirts—obviously a family set.

Sage looked troubled. "This... isn't really appropriate..."

River looked up stubbornly. "But in our hearts, you ARE our mommy."

Kael ruffled his son's hair and said to Sage, "The kids are just playing around. Humor them this once."

Sage nodded with a blush.

The four of them put on the matching outfits.

Kael and Sage wore navy blue shirts while River and Stone had miniature versions with cartoon prints saying "Daddy and Mommy Love Our Babies."

Sage suddenly looked at me. "Aria, why don't you come with us?"

I shook my head. "No need."

"But you're their mother. It wouldn't be right if you didn't come..." Sage walked over and took my hand without argument. "Come on, families should stick together."

She dragged me into the car.

The amusement park was bustling with crowds.

The four of them in matching outfits were so stunning they drew countless stares.

Young girls came over blushing to ask for photos, and Kael surprisingly didn't refuse.

"Your wife is so beautiful!" one girl said enviously to Sage. "And your kids are super cute!"

Kael didn't correct her. Sage lowered her head shyly while River and Stone puffed out their chests proudly.

I followed behind them like a ghost, watching them get surrounded and praised, watching Kael's hand naturally rest on Sage's waist, watching the two children call Sage "Mommy" over and over.

My heart hurt so much it went numb. I couldn't even feel the pain anymore.

As evening approached, we came to the Ferris wheel.

The operator smiled at Kael and Sage. "You two are such a perfect match! They say if couples kiss at the highest point of the Ferris wheel, they'll never be separated!"

River and Stone exchanged glances and broke into mischievous grins.

The cabin slowly rose as city lights flowed beneath our feet.

When the Ferris wheel was about to reach its peak, the two children suddenly darted behind Kael and Sage and gave them a hard push—

"Ah!" Sage cried out as she tumbled into Kael's arms.

The moment their lips touched, both of them froze.

Sage tried to pull away in panic, but Kael inexplicably cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

River and Stone covered their mouths to stifle giggles, secretly making victory signs.