Time was running faster, like a marathon. Several months had passed since Jason fell ill, and everything changed daily. My family was in turmoil. No one expected my brother to become so sick.

That night, after Eric's confession, I tried to manage the situation with him. But news of Jason's condition sent me rushing to his room. The sight there brought me to tears: Jason was vomiting blood, and my mother was beside him, weeping uncontrollably. I couldn't believe how weak my usually strong brother looked.

My father immediately contacted the pack doctor. Jason was admitted to the pack hospital the next day. Unexpectedly, the doctor couldn't diagnose Jason's illness. He suggested we contact someone who could summon witches, explaining that Jason would only weaken with time.

We called Qadir, who did his best to find the cause, but he too failed. However, his attention remained fixed on me. He uttered startling words, his eyes glowing, making it clear he was speaking of something he had witnessed.

"The danger you face will either destroy or protect you. The decision is yours. You must choose your own path."

The dread I felt at that moment lingered. What danger awaited me? I hoped it wasn't related to my children.

Later, I tried to contact Doctor Max, but lacked his number. The head Alpha of his pack informed us that having already provided Doctor Max's cure, they wouldn't offer further assistance. I remembered using that cure on Adrian's father, but felt no guilt—how could I, after saving a life?

Still, I felt increasingly broken. "Boss, don't stress," Damia's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I rubbed my forehead, leaning back in my chair. I was depressed about the pack company. Since Jason's illness, he'd been unable to focus on pack meetings or deals. I was losing projects. Everything seemed to be unraveling since the head Alpha's illness.

"Miss, please, let's have lunch. You didn't eat breakfast," Damia urged.

I set aside my files and looked at my phone's lock screen—a picture of my smiling children, a reminder to stay calm.

"I'm worried about my brother. I don't know what will happen to him," I mumbled, fighting back tears. It had been a long time since I'd cried, and I'd vowed never to again.

"He'll be fine. Don't worry," Damia patted my shoulder, but I knew my own feelings better than she did.

The day wore on at the office. I was exhausted, and the employees looked tired too. They worked hard, but we weren't getting any new deals.

I stopped in the lobby before leaving, looking at the employees heading home.

"Thank you for your hard work. I'll always remember you," I said.

They were visibly surprised, bowing respectfully. I nodded slightly and left. Driving home in Jason's car (he'd instructed me to use it for my safety, having stopped leaving the pack house), I thought about how time had betrayed us.

Arriving home, I thanked the driver and went inside. My twins ran to me, and I embraced them. My family sat on the couches, their sad looks reflecting my late arrival.

"How are you, brother?" I asked Jason, sitting beside him.

"I'm sorry you have to handle so much," he replied.

I hugged him, resting my head on his shoulder. "As long as you're okay, I don't mind."

"What if I die soon?"

His question shook me. I pulled away, angry.

"Brother, please, don't say that."

"He's right. Why are you saying such things? Your parents are still alive to see your family," my mother added, upset.

I briefly looked at Eric, who smiled warmly. I returned the smile. Since his confession, we'd worked through things, and our friendship had resumed.

After dinner, it was time for bed. As I said goodbye to my parents, a loud banging came from the front door. The maid had locked it earlier.

Maids rushed to answer the door. Pack fighters burst in, hurrying to Jason.

"Alpha!" they knelt, their voices shaken. "Alpha, the Crystal Blood Pack is approaching our border with over five hundred fighters. It seems Alpha Adrian has declared war."

(The final line about a sale is unrelated and has been removed.)