Chapter 187

Sylvia’s POV When the door closed behind them, Mother and I were finally alone. The silence between us felt both heavy and fragile, filled with years of misunderstandings and unspoken emotions. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, sensing the importance of this moment. "Mother," I began, drawing a deep breath. "I want to apologize for my behavior earlier. I shouldn't have upset you like that." Alpha Astra's face softened, lines of tension easing from around her eyes. She gestured for me to come closer, patting the edge of her hospital bed. "Sit with me, Sylvia," she said, her voice gentler than I'd heard in years. I approached cautiously, feeling like I was stepping onto unfamiliar territory despite the fact that this was my own mother. As I perched on the edge of her bed, she reached for my hand, her grip surprisingly strong for someone who'd just regained consciousness. "We have much to discuss," she said, her eyes searching my face with new awareness. "Starting with the truth a