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3

I can still remember that day. I woke up earlier than usual in the morning. Birds were chirping outside my window, and a pleasant breeze filled my room. The delightful aroma of pancakes wafted from downstairs.

From my window, I observed a young couple enjoying each other's company. They appeared incredibly at ease, and I found myself captivated by their small, beautiful moments. Despite being 19 years old, I was mateless, even though the wolves would find their mates once they reached the age of 16.

Sometime later, I could hear my father calling my name loudly from downstairs. I promptly got out of bed and quickly prepared myself for the day. I didn't want them to witness any signs of distress or concern on my face. I never wanted them to think that not having a mate was troubling me.

Because I was part wolf and part human, I did not possess the same divine beauty as the other female wolves. However, my mother was a stunning woman, and I shared a strong resemblance to her.

I swapped my nightclothes for a white T-shirt featuring a peach printed in the center, paired with a long skirt in a peach color. I untied my long white-blonde hair and applied a lovely, light pink lip balm that complemented my peachy outfit and amber eyes. Then, I rushed downstairs.

"Morning, Dad. Hey, Mom," I greeted my parents as usual by planting small kisses on their cheeks.

My father would often mention that I possessed a cheerful and optimistic aspect to my personality, like a sunflower on a bright morning. He would also say that I have a composed and resilient side, much like my mother.

"Hey, Pumpkin," my dad replied with a kiss on my cheek as he cooked.

My mom was sitting at the table, and she gave me a small hug. My dad was busy making pancakes. Not only was he a skilled soldier, but he was also a talented cook. I started to help my dad with the breakfast.

While making the omelet cheese toast, I checked on my mom intermittently. I noticed her complexion growing increasingly pale. I could tell that her condition was deteriorating gradually.

"Mom, are you feeling unwell? " I asked as lines of apprehension appeared on my forehead.

"Not at all, dear. I'm feeling much better today. Why do you ask? " my mother inquired back while peeling some tangerines.

I noticed that her fingers were shaking. There was something off about her. I placed the loaf of bread aside and approached my mother.

"Last night, your mother had trouble sleeping. It appears that her internal wounds have reopened. I wanted to inform you, but your mother didn't want you to worry first thing in the morning," my father said from the kitchen, after overhearing our conversation.

"You really can't keep things to yourself, can you?" My mother attempted to scold my father, her voice feeble. She turned towards me and bestowed upon me the most captivating smile. "I'm fine, honestly. Your father tends to worry excessively, you know. I'll be alright soon."

"That's not how it works. What you require is to consult a doctor, a human doctor for humans. The body of the wolves and the humans function differently. The pack medics are incapable of healing you," My father briefly appeared, holding a spoon in his hands and wearing a kitchen apron, before quickly disappearing again just as the pancakes were about to burn.

"You don't look like you are okay. Your complexion is becoming paler, " I kept my hand over my mother's. Her breaths were becoming shallow. "Mom, Dad is correct. You need to see a doctor," I said, concern evident on my face.

"No, no! " my mother exclaimed, her agitation evident as she shook her head in frustration. "No, Ella, do not utter such words. We can not leave this pack! If we leave, they will never let us come back here. Besides, your father cannot survive in the human territory, as you know. Promise me you won't bring this up again, okay sweetie? " she managed to calm down slightly and gently squeezed my shoulders, offering me a dry smile.

Despite my mother's weakness and illness, my mother still looked like an extraordinary beauty straight out of a fairy tale. However, behind her radiant smile, I could sense the immense pain she was enduring.

I quietly prepared the toasts while my father was still in the kitchen. Suddenly, my mother broke the silence.

"I apologize, Ella," my mother said, pausing. I could see tears clouding her eyes. She went on, "I deeply regret it. As a mother, I feel like I haven't done enough. I should have done better, but I fell short. However, I promise that as long as your father and I are by your side, I will strive to give you both my utmost. So, please try not to worry too much."

"Mom," I was on the verge of tears, ready to express how mistaken she was. She had already done more than sufficient for us. However, my father arrived with the pancakes, putting a breach to the moment.

"The pancakes are ready!" my father exclaimed cheerfully. I hurriedly wiped my face, not wanting him to be upset upon seeing us.

"Wow! Dad, these smell amazing!" I exclaimed happily as I grabbed the tray.

These small moments had become a daily routine for us. I was aware that if we didn't treat my mother promptly, she wouldn't stay with us for much longer.

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