Chapter 171

Isabella I sat in the window seat of Auntie Aurora's guest room,staring into the darkness of the Shadow Pack territory that stretched before me. It had been exactly sixteen days since Mom moved out of our home. "Isabella? Are you still awake,sweetheart?" Auntie Aurora's soft voice came from the doorway,accompanied by her distinctive pine and vanilla scent. I turned from the window,quickly wiping away any trace of tears. "I was just finishing my drawing." Auntie Aurora glided into the room,her silver-blonde hair catching the moonlight streaming through the window. She sat beside me,her movements as graceful as always. Every wolf in our territory whispered about how she carried herself like a true Luna—unlike my mother,whose awkwardness at formal pack gatherings had become legendary. "Your father just texted that he'll be here soon," she said,gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Would you like to show him your drawings tonight,or save them for tomorrow?" "Tonight," I answered