Chapter 358: Chapter 358 - I like the woman you have chosen
The shaman fell silent for a long moment instead of answering right away.
She studied Voren with those ancient eyes of hers, as if she could see far beyond the walls of the room and straight into the heart of whatever future lay ahead.
"Do you truly want to restore the mate bond?" Her voice stayed calm, but there was something deeper and heavier hidden beneath the surface. "Things may not unfold the way you expect."
Voren’s jaw tightened, his hands slowly curling into fists at his sides as he held her gaze without flinching. "What I started," he answered with firm resolve, "I will finish."
The shaman watched him for another beat before giving a small nod. "You are determined." A faint smile curled the corner of her lips. "The Blood Moon Festival must be held after the next full moon. Between now and then, I need to isolate myself and prepare for what is coming."
Voren frowned, the way she spoke making it feel like something much bigger and more serious than just a ceremony was on the horizon. He drew in a slow breath.
"I’m not afraid of whatever’s ahead," he admitted, "but I’d appreciate some kind of warning." His eyes narrowed slightly. "What exactly is coming?"
The shaman’s smile widened, but it was that same mysterious kind that gave answers without really giving any at all. "This is all I am permitted to say." Her gaze softened unexpectedly. "But I like the woman you have chosen."
Voren’s expression eased a little at that. The old woman continued, her voice warm with quiet wisdom. "If you wish to keep her, make sure she is always happy."
Her eyes sparkled with knowing insight. "If you do that, she will stand beside you when darkness comes. Together, your light will shine brighter than either of you could alone."
Voren didn’t find her words strange at all. In fact, they lined up perfectly with what he already planned to do. Making Seraphine happy wasn’t some chore or burden. It was something he genuinely wanted more than anything.
He wanted to give her everything she’d ever been denied, to surround her with so much love, comfort, and happiness that the old pain she’d carried for years finally faded away. He wanted her smiling so often that it became her natural state, and if possible, he wanted to make her the envy of the entire world.
A small, determined smile appeared on his face just thinking about it.
The shaman slowly turned around. "I shall take my leave now." She glanced over at the sleeping Seraphine. "When she wakes up, thank her for the food on my behalf."
Then her expression grew serious again. "In twelve hours, soak her in water, dry her body thoroughly, and change her clothes." She pointed toward Seraphine with gentle emphasis. "And remember to keep a close eye on her."
Voren gave a single, firm nod. "I will."
Satisfied, the shaman walked toward the door. Her movements were so light and effortless that she almost seemed to float rather than walk. By the time the door closed softly behind her, it felt as though she had never been there at all. Only the faint, lingering memory of her knowing smile stayed with Voren.
What she hadn’t revealed was that Seraphine’s appearance had finally solved a mystery that had lingered unanswered for many years. But that truth wasn’t meant to come out today. Everything would be revealed during the Blood Moon Festival.
Once she was gone, Voren pulled out his phone and called Ravyn. The call connected almost immediately. "Voren," Ravyn said, sounding relieved. "Are you back at the pack already? Should I come over?"
Voren nearly rolled his eyes. "There’s no need," he replied calmly. "I have an appointment in the city. I’m already heading back."
On the other end, Ravyn opened his mouth to argue, but Voren knew him too well. Before Ravyn could get a single word out, he continued smoothly.
"Add this to the schedule. Announce that the Blood Moon Festival will be held one month after the Full Moon Festival." His fingers moved across the phone screen. "I’m also sending the payment to cover my family’s attendance."
The transfer went through instantly. Without giving Ravyn another chance to object, Voren ended the call. A few seconds later, his phone rang again. Ravyn.
Voren answered, as Ravyn’s breathless voice sounded at the end of the line. "Voren, the amount you sent is way too much," he said, confusion clear in his voice. "Besides Jasmine and Kael, who else is coming with you?"
Voren leaned back in his chair. "Don’t worry about it. That payment covers my entire family." Before Ravyn could ask anything else, the line went dead.
A moment later, the phone started ringing again. Voren glanced at the screen and ignored it. It continued ringing so he ended the call before he typed a quick message. ’Busy. Let’s talk later.’ After sending it, he put the phone away completely.
Peace at last. The silence inside the room felt deeply comforting. His attention drifted back to Seraphine. She was still fast asleep, her breathing soft and steady.
For a few long moments, Voren simply watched her, a quiet warmth settling in his chest. Even now, after everything they’d been through, there were still times he could hardly believe she was truly his.
He reached over and gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face, his expression softening with tenderness. Then he set an alarm for twelve hours later and placed the phone on the nearby table.
Carefully, he slipped into bed beside her. The moment he wrapped an arm around her waist, a profound sense of peace washed over him.
Seraphine instinctively moved closer in her sleep, and the small action made the corners of his lips lift in a content smile. He pulled her gently against his chest.
For once, there were no responsibilities demanding his attention, no pack matters, no meetings, no threats, no endless problems waiting to be solved.
Just Seraphine, just them. His eyes slowly closed, and sleep came so naturally that it almost felt unfamiliar. Usually his mind refused to rest, always something keeping him wired and awake. But beside her, everything felt quiet, and right.
Voren had no idea how much time had passed. One moment he was asleep, and the next, a powerful force slammed into him.
His eyes flew open as the impact nearly sent him crashing off the bed. At that exact moment, the alarm began blaring.
