The first snowfall of winter blanketed Silvercrest City in a pristine white coat. I lay in the hospital bed, my body still fighting the effects of acute silver poisoning. The equipment in my darkroom had been contaminated somehow, and after hours of work, my hands had begun to burn and blister.

“Excuse me,” a soft voice called from the next bed. “Your IV… I think it’s finished. It’s backflowing.”

I opened my eyes to see a young she-wolf looking at me with concern. Her eyes were kind, though we were strangers.

“Thank you,” I murmured, pressing the call button for the nurse.

While waiting, I checked my phone. 2:00 AM. I’d spent the entire day in my studio without producing a single photo worth keeping.

The silver poisoning had made everything worse, especially for Cora, my wolf, who’d been restless and whimpering beneath my skin until I’d finally dragged myself to the hospital.

The nurse came in, changed my moonlight herb IV, and checked my vitals. “The healing process is going well, Ms. Chase. You should be able to leave in the morning.”

Just as she left, my phone rang. Mother. Perfect timing as always.

“Amber, you’re coming to Victoria’s birthday tomorrow, aren’t you?” Her voice held that familiar note of command disguised as a question.

“I’m in the hospital, Mother. Silver poisoning.” I winced as a sharp pain shot through my hand.

“Hospital?” She scoffed. “Don’t be dramatic. You can’t miss your sister’s birthday.”

“Adopted-sister,” I corrected automatically, gritting my teeth. “And I’m not being dramatic. I’m literally hooked up to an IV with blisters all over my hands!”

“Victoria would never miss your birthday, no matter how ill she was,” she countered, her voice sharpening. “She’s always been the obedient, sensible daughter.”

I laughed bitterly, the sound harsh even to my own ears. “Obedient? Is that what we’re calling it now? Should I remind you what I caught her doing with Henry last summer?”

“Don’t start with your accusations again!” Mother snapped. “You know how important this celebration is. Ethan will be there.”

At the mention of my fiancé’s name, I felt Cora stir painfully within me, clawing at my insides. “Ethan? And why would that convince me to come?”

“He’ll pick you up. I’ve already arranged it.”

“Without asking me? Typical.” I was getting into a taxi now, having signed myself out against medical advice. The hospital had become suffocating after that call.

“Your temper is exactly why you and Ethan are having problems,” she lectured. “You need to focus on securing your mate bond before it’s too late. Before he chooses someone else.”

“He already has,” I muttered under my breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.” I gave the driver my address. “Fine. I’ll come to the party. But it’ll cost you.”

“Cost me? What are you talking about?”

“Seven figures. Added to my dowry.” I named a sum that made her gasp.

“You can’t be serious! That’s extortion!”

“It’s the price of my attendance,” I replied coldly. “Take it or leave it.”

After a moment of stunned silence, she agreed. Of course she did. Appearances were everything to Melanie Chase.

Back at my riverside apartment, I managed to heat up some leftover venison stew before collapsing into bed. The silver poisoning had drained me more than I wanted to admit.

I was awakened by my phone ringing again. This time, it was Paige.

“Hey, you awake?” Her cheerful voice was a balm after my mother’s coldness.

“I am now,” I mumbled, sitting up. “Aren’t you supposed to be on a flight?”

“Landing in three hours. Want me to pick you up for Victoria’s birthday bash?”

“Actually, I’m going. Mother made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“Let me guess—she’s paying you?” Paige knew our family dynamics all too well.

“Seven figures added to my dowry.”

Paige whistled. “That’s some serious cash just to show up at your sister’s party. God, I hate how she favors Victoria.”

“Adopted-sister” I corrected again, my voice hardening. “And you know Mother. Victoria is her perfect little angel who can do no wrong.”

“Even after what happened with Henry and Sophia? That poor girl miscarried because of what she saw!”

I sighed, the memory still raw. “Mother refuses to believe it. Victoria has her completely wrapped around her finger.”

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