With time, he grew cold and distant. He couldn't bring himself to show his mate's look alike compassion, not when every time he looked at them, he was met with a bitter reminder of what he had lost.

Instead, he channeled his grief into relentless expectations. The love that once coursed through his veins for his child had turned into a torrent of disapproval and disappointment. Yet, the child did nothing to deserve it.

Over the years, their relationship became strained. He spoke more in grunts and harsh words than comforting tones. He pushed them hard, expecting them to reach unattainable levels of perfection, as if their flaws were personal attacks on his lost mate.

The house was cold and silent. A subtle breeze blew through the empty halls, carrying with it the faint scent of a once-happy home. Ghost walked the length of the hall, his footsteps echoing in the silence. He paused at the door of his pup's room, the one that had once been a nursery.

For a moment, his stony gaze softened as he remembered the promise he had made to Victoria; always protect their pup, no matter what. But that promise had long been broken. He forced his features back into a cold, unfeeling mask and pushed open the door.

The room, once filled with laughter and joy, had become a symbol of his bitterness. It was devoid of any child-like charm. No stuffed animals, no bright colors. Just bare walls and a small bed.

His gaze fell upon his child, who sat silently in the corner. They werent a baby anymore, but the resemblance to their mother remained undeniable. He felt that familiar pang of loss and anger, and his jaw clenched tightly.

"Why are you just sitting there?" he growled quietly, his voice low and harsh. "There's work to be done."

It was an empty criticism. There was nothing specific he could fault them for, but the words were a knee-jerk reaction to their mere presence. A way to remind them, and himself, that he didn't want this bitter reminder of his pain.