Chapter 2:Her Strugles

As the night wore on, Rosaline sat by her mother's side, holding her hand and offering what comfort. She knew that their future was uncertain but she also knew that as long as they had each other, they would find a way to endure. Rosaline's thoughts drifted to her own identity. Rosaline Hartley possesses a striking beauty that captivates those around her. Her long , flowing hair cascades in waves of chestnut brown, framing her delicate features like halo. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of stormy gray are large and expressive, reflecting the depths of her emotions. They draw people in, hinting at a soul that has weathered many storms. Her features are delicate yet defined, with high cheekbones that lend her face an elegant structure. Her lips are full and pink often curved into a gentle smile that lights up her face. Rosaline possesses a slender yet shapely figure , her movements are fluid and graceful. Despite her beauty, there is a vulnerability in Rosaline's eyes, a hint of sadness that speaks to the hardships she had endured. But beneath it all, there is a strength and resilience that shines through, a testament to the fierce spirit that lies within her.

Rosaline was neither fully wolf nor fully human, a fact that had always set her apart . In time, she came to know that she had a wolf but just that it's dormant. She had inherited some traits from her father's werewolf bloodline. She possessed heightened Senses particularly her sense of smell, sight and hearing which was far more acute than that of a human. Rosaline was grateful to live in a kingdom where humans and werewolves lived in harmony, with a werewolf as king.

As she sat by her mother's side, Rosaline wondered about her father and his new family. Did he ever think of them, of the life he had left behind? She knew she should hate him for leaving them but part of her knew that maybe he didn't have a choice since she was his mate. But immediately the thought came into her mind she rejected the idea, he could have chosen to reject his mate and stay with them, but he didn't, he choose her. But despite everything, a part of her still longed for his return, but for now, Rosaline pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present. She would do whatever it took to care for her mother, to ensure that she was comfortable and loved.

As the days stretched into weeks, Rosaline found herself settling into a routine careing for her mother Eleanor. Their small cottage in willow village was nestled on the edge of the village, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of nature. Rosaline's days were filled with simple tasks- preparing meals, tending to the garden, ensuring her mother's comfort and helping them get by until her mother was strong enough again, to start her work.

One afternoon, as Rosaline was hanging laundry in the backyard, she heard a voice calling out to her. She turned to see Mrs Agatha, their neighbor waving at her.

"Rosaline, dear how are you holding up? Mrs Agatha asked, making her way over to the fence that separated their properties.

"I'm managing thank you ", Rosaline replied, offering a small smile. "It's been difficult, but we're getting by ". Mrs Agatha nodded sympathetically. "I can only imagine. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. Mrs Agatha and the villagers knew how much the mother and daughter have struggled since the man of the house left them years ago. Some of the people in the village gossiped and laughed at Eleanor for losing everything and now being a peasant, others like Mrs Agatha sympathezied with her.

Rosie was grateful for her kindness, she has always been a private person, but the outpouring support from her neighbor touched her deeply. "Thank you very much Mrs Agatha" Rosaline said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate it more than words can say".

"Your welcome my dear, but have you had your mother checked by the packs healer? Mrs Agatha asked. I know that she's not a werewolf but the healer should be able to help her get well right? She asked. "Yes I have and thank heavens that she's responding to treatment" Rosaline replied. "Well am glad to hear that, I'd best be going now, I do hope you have a wonderful day my dear" Mrs Agatha said and waved at Rosaline as she left. "Thank you very much" Rosaline waved back her.

Once Rosie was done hanging the laundry, she went back inside the house to check on her mother. She found her sitting beside the window and staring out to the distance lost in her thoughts. "Penny for your thoughts" Rosaline asked concern lacing her voice. " Nothing dear, just thinking about life" her mother replied. "By life you meant father right?, I know you still miss him " Rosaline replied. "My dear, I know you don't like me talking about him but you mustn't hate him, his still your father you know" Eleanor said.

"Yes I know he's my father,but mama that doesn't mean that I'll forgive him for what he did. I don't know if I'll ever see him again but if I do , I'll probably not recognize him, I don't even remember what he looks like. If he wanted to leave, that's fine, but he could at least have left us with something " Rosaline replied her voice laced with a little bit of anger. "Rosie dear, you know about the issue of mates, alot of werewolves were not fortunate enough to find theirs, but your father found his mate and he did try to resist the mate bond but eventually he couldn't " her mother said , her voice cracking at the end. "I came to understand that your father just wasn't mine to keep, that he belongs with someone else . He did leave some money for us that I used as capital to rent a shop and start making clothes but as time went by , it just wasn't enough my dear" her mother said.

"Mama , it's not that I don't understand, it's just that I can't help thinking that he could have tried harder and made another choice " Rosaline replied.

"Well my dear, you will meet your mate soon and maybe by then , you would understand your father more clearly ". Eleanor smiled at her daughter as she said this. But deep inside, Rosaline doubted that she could have a mate , since she turned sixteen she should have gotten her wolf by now. But she's nearing her seventeenth birthday and up till now her wolf have stayed dormant and she doubted if it will ever change.