Chapter 200

Author’s POV Alpha Astra had officially returned to work after her hospital stay, and she and Sylvia came home together that evening. In the living room, mother and daughter chatted intimately, catching up on everything that had happened during Alpha Astra's recovery. Selene sat awkwardly on the side, feeling like an outsider looking in. She watched their easy rapport with a mixture of longing and resentment—the way Sylvia could make Alpha Astra laugh, how naturally they fell into conversation, how effortless their bond seemed. She had been waiting for hours for her chance to speak with Alpha Astra alone. Finally, Caesar's call came through on Sylvia's phone. "I should take this," Sylvia said, glancing apologetically at Alpha Astra. "He's probably wondering where I am." "Go ahead, sweetheart," Alpha Astra said warmly. "We'll have plenty of time to catch up." After Sylvia left, the silence stretched between Alpha Astra and Selene. Sometimes, Selene felt like she was a walking contradict