---- Leaving the pack was the bravest thing I'd ever done. After blocking all pack-wide mind links, I breathed in the crisp air of freedom. It felt so good. I closed my eyes, letting the cold Alaskan wind wash over me, cleansing a decade of heartache and humiliation. Just then, my phone buzzed. A text from Eric. "Where are you? You didn't take the moonstone necklace from the Mating Ceremony. I'll bring it to you." That necklace had once been my most treasured possession; now, it was a thorn in my side. "Tf I left it, it means I don't want it. Do whatever you want with it," I typed back, my vision so blurry I could barely see the screen. I wiped my eyes on my sleeve, trying to stifle the sob building in my chest. ---- If we were done, we had to be truly done. Without waiting for a reply, I blocked his number. On the way back to my cabin, my phone rang again. An unknown number. "Hello, is this River's mother? I'm a counselor at the Elite Wolf Academy!" The voice on the other end was enthusiastic. "River placed fifth in the trials this year! It's a fantastic achievement! However, he's expressed an interest in attending a human school. We were hoping you could speak with him before he makes a final decision!" I gripped my phone, barely able to speak. My little boy... fifth place... I wanted so badly to feel proud, to hold him and celebrate. "Ym sorry," I said quietly, voice steady but soft. "His father and I... we've severed our bond. I've left the pack. That's not my place anymore.." ---- The counselor went silent, clearly stunned. Then, she pressed on, "A good academy is crucial for acub's future. Regardless of your situation, you're still his mother! We haven't been able to reach Mr. Eric, so if you could just-" "T'm sorry, I can't help you," I said firmly, and hung up. How I wanted to be part of his life, part of his choices. But some battles are fought alone. Cubs are experts at reading people. River had witnessed every slight. Every time Eric cut me down with a cold word ora dismissive glance, River was there. Watching. Learning. And like any smart little wolf, he adapted. He mirrored Eric-his tone, his distance. My constant surrender only emboldened them.