"Good morning, Mother," Radulf greeted softly as Zenna introduced them. His voice held both warmth and concern. "How are you feeling? The doctor is on his way. Are you in any kind of pain?" he asked.
Karina nodded faintly with a weary expression on her face. "There is pain," she admitted, extending her hand toward him.
Radulf stepped closer without hesitation, gently taking her hand in his. Karina squeezed it with surprising strength, her eyes glistening. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter," she whispered sincerely.
She turned her gaze to Zenna next. "Forgive me... for not being there when you needed me most."
"No, Mother," Zenna said, quickly shaking her head as she moved closer to her. "Don't apologize. You weren't the one at fault. He—he kept us apart. He kept us in the dark. I spent years believing you were gone. If there's anyone to blame, it's the Alpha King."
She placed her hand gently over her mother's hand.
