Chapter 9
Winona observed as her mother and everyone present unanimously decided that her heart should be sacrificed to save Hayley, who, in their eyes, was the future Luna. She struggled to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill.
Suddenly, she felt a weakness in her knees and nearly collapsed. She had to brace herself because she knew that no one would care if she fell or not. They were all anticipating a positive answer from her.
Did she even have a choice in this matter? If she didn't consent, she would be condemned to a life more miserable than death itself. And if she did agree, she was still destined to die. The only difference would be that she would at least be able to save her sister.
That would be considered a good deed, wouldn't it? She hadn't been able to save her father, but now she had the opportunity to save her sister. Perhaps that was the reason why the moon goddess had allowed her to live after causing her father's death. She took a deep breath before facing her mother.
"I agree to save Hayley. I will give her..."She hesitated for a moment, questioning whether she was making the right decision. "...My heart," she declared in surrender, biting her lower lip so hard that it almost bled.
She could see the relief wash over her mother's face, accompanied by a burst of unimaginable joy. Her heart sank, yet she forced a bitter smile onto her face. That was the value of her life.
A mere sacrifice.
The doctor also seemed visibly relieved as he approached Brent and the Alpha, who were standing beside her mother.
"The operation should be carried out in three days. She doesn't have much time left. If we delay any further, we might end up losing her. As for the compatibility, since they are twins, there should be no issues. However, she still has to undergo some tests," she heard the doctor explain.
"You are fortunate that she was brought in on time. She wouldn't have survived if it was any later than two weeks."
"Are you saying she had less than two weeks to live?" her mother asked, her voice shaky.
"Yes. Without the operation, she had less than two weeks to live," the doctor confirmed.
Winona listened attentively as the doctor relayed the details of Hayley's precarious condition. She yearned to see her sister, even if it was to be just once before her own life ended.
"Mom, may I see Hayley? I wish to..." she started, inching closer to them.
"No!" a frosty voice interrupted her before she could finish her sentence. She looked up to see Brent glaring at her with an intense hatred.
"I don't intend to cause any harm. I just wish to see her," she implored.
"See her or harm her, so you won't have to go through with the operation? Don't think I'm oblivious to the malevolence coursing through your mind!" Brent snapped at her.
She wanted to argue, but then she heard her mother's gentle voice. "Winona, please try to understand that Hayley is in a very critical condition and she needs to stay away from... germs, isn't that right, doctor?"
"Yes...yes. That's correct. This is a very critical period. Not everyone is permitted to visit," the doctor concurred.
"And Winona, you need to rest and conserve your energy for the operation. You also need to maintain a healthy diet, alright?" her mother continued in her soft voice.
She had to shake her head several times and blink her eyes repeatedly to confirm if she was truly hearing her mother's voice. She even called her by her name! It had been ages since she had heard her mother call her name, even if she had just indirectly referred to her as a germ!
Still looking bewildered at her mother's unusual behavior, she noticed Brent signaling to the maid who had come to fetch her.
"Escort her to one of the guest rooms in the cottages. Ensure she is well taken care of during the three days she will be staying there," he instructed, albeit reluctantly.
The maid bowed and gently led her out of the hospital, treating her as if she were a delicate vase that was not to be broken before its intended use.
She could faintly hear her mother's voice. "Good decision, Brent, she will not only be well cared for, but we can also monitor her movements to prevent her from escaping."
She chuckled inwardly. Escape? Were they afraid she would flee? In addition to despising her, they also didn't trust her.
The ensuing three days were the most pleasant days of her life since she had been in this world. She was practically treated like royalty. She wasn't permitted to touch anything or perform any work.
Winona was treated with utmost care, provided with nutritious meals and allowed to breathe in fresh air every day. They made certain she had access to everything and anything she wished for.
And believe her, she didn't let this chance slip by. She was on the brink of death anyway, so why not indulge as much as she could? She ate and drank to her heart's content, although she was prohibited from consuming anything containing alcohol.
She was dressed in the most exquisite clothes and everyone around ensured she was satisfied with their pretense of politeness and their cheerful faces. She wagered they were impatient to see her out of their lives for good.
As she relished her final days on earth, the day of the operation loomed. It was today, and her heart pounded with the fear of her impending demise.
The previous day, she had visited her father's grave and asked him to wait for her. She reminded him to prepare her favorite spicy broth.
The servants woke her up as usual, and as always, there was the pretense of politeness. She disregarded them and readied herself for the hospital.
She stepped out of the cottage and walked towards Brent who was about to get into his car. She hopped along. Before she could get any closer to the car, she heard his growl and her hair stood on end.
"What on earth do you think you're doing?"
"I...I thought... I thought you were heading to the hospital and...and I wanted..."
"Don't you dare think about sharing a ride with me, you filthy creature. Do you want to taint me with your curse?" He snarled.
Her curse? But they were comfortable using the heart of the cursed filthy creature. Weren't they afraid that the heart might be cursed too?
"Winona, you know the route to the hospital. You don't need to hitch a ride with us. It's not appropriate for you to be seen with the future Alpha. They might think you want to transfer your curse onto him."
"But..."
"Just find your way to the hospital. And ensure you're there before noon." Her mother said as she climbed into the car. But before then, she flung some coins at her.
She watched as the car sped off, leaving a trail of dust in its wake. She stood there, watching them. How could they just leave like that?
Winona stooped to gather the coins. She wasn't certain if it would cover her transportation costs, but she decided to attempt it anyway.
Given her importance to them, they should have offered her a ride, sent guards to escort her, or at the very least, arranged a cab for her, right? She didn't really hold any significance to them, but she harbored a hope for a dignified burial after her death.
She hailed a taxi and handed the driver the coins. She informed him of her destination, but it appeared the fare wasn't sufficient. However, moved by her pleading gaze, he decided to assist her.
After a while, the taxi halted along a bustling road. She expressed her gratitude to the driver and stepped out of the taxi. She looked around and realized that she wasn't at the hospital! Had she given the wrong name? She inquired from a passerby who informed her that the hospital was a branch and she would need to take another taxi to reach the hospital where Hayley was.
Looking exasperated, she asked for directions and resolved to run the entire way there. She still had about an hour to make it. She began running swiftly, asking for directions at every crossroad.
And just as she was about to cross an intersection, she was in such a rush that she failed to look to her left.
The next thing she heard was a loud crash! She felt herself being lifted high up in the air like a floating ball and then, like a sack of grain, she came crashing down.
She felt pain radiating all over her body as she slowly succumbed to the encroaching darkness.
"Hayley...." Was all she could manage to whisper before her world plunged into darkness.
