Fragments of a Vow

"Moon Goddess, I'd like to go home," says Seraphina Jarett.

The Will of the Moon Goddess speaks to her in her mind. She doesn't reply in any form of language. Instead, it is a calm and saddened torrent of consciousness.

"Alright, my child. Your mission is about to be completed. In a week, your soul can leave this place."

The usually authoritative voice pauses for a few seconds, which is a rare occurrence.

Unable to understand my choice, she says, "My child, you have a mate who loves you deeply and sees you as the light of his life. Your pup puts you first in everything. Isn't this your home now? They are your family… your pack."

When Seraphina hears the word "family", her gaze lands on the Moon Pool that is in the middle of the room.

At the moment, the pool is showing the Alpha of the Blackwood pack, Caelum Blackwood, and his son, Liam Blackwood, touching down in the pack's private airport.

Caelum Blackwood strode forward with his son, Liam Blackwood, in his arms. His Alpha aura forces the surrounding werewolves to part and make way for him automatically.

A messenger from a neighboring pack hurried after them.

He asked, "Alpha Caelum, I heard you wrapped up the border negotiations in Freca yesterday and rushed back overnight. Why the hurry? Did something urgent concerning the pack require your immediate return?"

Among the werewolf packs, Caelum was well-known for having an icy disposition. But upon being asked those questions, he unexpectedly showed an incredibly gentle smile to the transmission crystal in the messenger's hand.

"It's my Luna's birthday today. So, of course, my pup and I have to return to spend time with her."

His voice was low and powerful, and it spread through all his territories via the transmission crystal.

He added, "To me, anything that has to do with my Luna is of the highest priority."

The tiny Liam raised the leather pouch in his hands as well. "Mom, Dad and I prepared a gift for you! We'll be home soon!"

The messenger wanted to ask more, but Caelum silenced him with a look that made it clear that he wouldn't entertain any more questions. His figure quickly moved out of frame and disappeared.

The messenger sighed and said with deep envy, "The Blackwood pack Alpha's devotion to his Luna hasn't changed even after ten years. Their mate bond is still going strong. He truly is the best mate a she-wolf could ask for.

"Even the heir of the Blackwood pack behaves just like him. With an Alpha like that and a pup like that, Luna Seraphina must have a very happy and wholesome family life."

Seraphina Jarrett waved her hand to erase the image on the Moon Pool's surface and let out a bitter smile.

Was she happy?

A month ago, she would have answered without hesitation that she was absolutely blissful.

But now, she couldn't bring herself to say such words.

No one knew