Chapter 162: Chapter 162 Promise to Return
Seraphina’s POV
Given everything my parents and I have endured together, slipping away without a word might have been the simpler path. But these past few days have shown me they can be devoted grandparents, and my mother has been remarkably patient during my training sessions. That growth deserves a proper farewell.
So I asked them to meet me in Julian’s home office.
I chose my words carefully, keeping my tone gentle yet resolute.
"These past few days have shown me who you really are, Mom," I began, holding her gaze. "You’re not cruel. You’re a woman who faced impossible decisions. Decisions that altered everything forever."
Her quick nod sent tears streaming down her face.
"But I need complete honesty," I continued, shifting slightly to maintain focus despite their reactions. "I still cannot comprehend how you abandoned me without feeling destroyed. I doubt I ever will. And honestly, I no longer wish to try."
Both of them recoiled.
"I’ve realized something more painful," I confessed, the truth settling like ice in my chest. "Even if you had kept me, my childhood likely would have remained the same. Because Alpha Maxwell would have always viewed me as evidence. Living proof that his servant had been with another man."
My father started to respond, but I raised my palm. I needed to finish.
"I forgive you," I told my mother directly. "I forgive those choices. But this forgiveness is for my freedom, not your comfort. I want you both to have this opportunity now."
My mother collapsed into full sobs, her face disappearing into her hands. "Seraphina," she gasped, the sound tearing from her throat. "You’ll regret offering us this chance. I’m certain of it."
I shook my head deliberately. "No, Mom. I won’t."
I leaned forward, establishing a new boundary for myself, creating protection within this charged atmosphere.
"Because this time," I explained, meeting her tearful eyes, "I’ll love you without conditions. I won’t demand your love in return, and I won’t expect you to compensate for our lost years. Without expectations, I cannot be wounded."
My father finally found his voice, speaking with quiet conviction.
"You share my mate’s blood, biologically. But beyond that, you’ve touched my heart these past years. You are my daughter in every meaningful way."
His unexpected, straightforward acceptance nearly overwhelmed me. I simply nodded, knowing any words might break my composure.
"Now, regarding the Nebula Fang," I announced, the atmosphere shifting from personal pain to responsibility. "I’m leaving."
My mother quickly dried her face. "I have no authority to counsel you, Seraphina. None at all. But you’re making a mistake abandoning your mate."
I exhaled slowly, shaking my head. "Countless complications exist between Julian and me, Mom. Issues requiring resolution one way or another. And the Nebula Fang represents my birthright. My brother breathed life into that pack. I cannot abandon that legacy."
They exchanged glances, bewildered by pack obligations overriding mate connections.
"We cannot grasp this decision," my father admitted frankly. "But ultimately, it remains yours to make. It’s a significant one."
He regarded me with pride tinged by concern. "The Solstice Fang, or what remains of us, will always support the Nebula Fang. Our alliance will endure."
"Thank you," I said, rising with immense relief at having completed this task. "I truly believe this benefits everyone."
I walked directly to the living room. Julian waited there, standing rigidly beside the empty fireplace. Caleb and Penelope occupied the couch.
Julian’s expression was grave as he gestured to the space beside him. I settled in and pressed against his side.
"We discussed arrangements while you were occupied," he said, his voice carefully controlled. "Caleb and Penelope will accompany you to the Nebula Fang."
I looked puzzled. "Penelope?"
"Yes. She’ll care for the children, and she requested to join you. And Caleb," Julian continued, placing his substantial hand on my knee, "because he’s the only person I trust completely to shield you from whatever dangers await."
Warmth flooded through me, understanding how difficult this decision was for Julian. But I needed honest answers from them.
I addressed Caleb first, meeting his steady, dark eyes. "Caleb. Penelope."
Both looked up immediately.
"I need complete honesty from you," I said, maintaining a gentle tone. "I’m not asking because Julian, your Alpha, commanded it. I don’t want you accompanying me from duty to protect your Luna. I’m asking you to enter an unfamiliar pack, among complete strangers, only if you genuinely desire to be there."
I emphasized my next statement. "I require people I can trust absolutely, and people who truly trust me back. I need companions, not merely protectors."
Caleb responded with a small, determined nod. "Luna, I’m not coming solely for the Alpha. I’m coming for you and your future. Absolutely."
Penelope followed. "I want to accompany you, Seraphina. I trust you, and I want to see you safe and established."
Relief washed over me. Now I knew I wouldn’t face this alone.
Caleb and Penelope stood, mentioning they needed to begin preparations for our departure.
Once they left, I turned completely and encircled Julian’s waist tightly, pressing my head against his chest.
"I know you hate this," I whispered into his shirt. "I know you cannot understand why I must leave you, even temporarily. But knowing you trust me enough to cooperate instead of opposing me means everything."
He embraced me intensely, his scent filling my senses. I felt tension radiating through his frame.
"I do understand, Seraphina," he murmured, stroking my hair roughly. "I understand you must do this. You have obligations to fulfill. I simply hope, beyond everything, that when the time arrives, you’ll return to me."
I pulled back enough to see his worried eyes. I lifted my hand to his cheek, feeling the slight texture of his skin.
"I promise," I told him, meeting his gaze with all my remaining certainty. "I promise I’ll come back."
