Annabelle's illness had become increasingly obvious lately. She easily fainted while walking, vomited after every meal, and almost tumbled down the stairs once, saved only by the quick intervention of the guards.

She'd sit alone in her room, tears streaming down her face when the pain became unbearable, feeling like her life could end at any moment.

When Alpha Alvin learned from the guards about her recent fainting episodes, he offered to call a doctor. But her panic-stricken plea stopped him. She insisted she was fine and implored him not to summon a doctor or take her to any medical facility if anything happens to her.

She could have reached...