Chapter 34
It was nearly 9am, when I finally stirred awake, sunlight spilling through the curtains and gently warming the room. I bonked a few times, tryl gather my bearings
As I stretched under the soft blanket, I realized the dormitory felt unusually quiet. Frowning, I turned my head and saw Audrey siling casually by the window, sipping her coller and reading a book. Monica was sprawled out on the couch, lazily scrolling through her phone.
“Why didn’t anyone wake me?” Lasked, my voice still thick with sleep, half expecting to be scolded for oversleeping
Audrey only chuckled and set her coffee down. “Alpha’s orders.”
“We can’t fight him,” Monica added with a grin, not even looking up from her phone, as if the very idea was laughable.
I stared at them, hall annoyed, hall touched. Francesco really hadn’t let anyone disturb me. Even though we were guests here, in Blackpine teritory where appearances mattered, he had chosen me over protocol.
A sigh escaped me.
Deep down, I knew what this would look like to the others spoiled, pampered, weak. Whispers would spread faster than wildfire in a pack as tightly
wound as this
Damn IL
Knock, knock…
The sound of knocking cut through my frustration.
Audrey Immediately stood, smoothing down her clothes before heading to the door. She cracked it open, revealing Jonathan, who looked a little out of breath, as if he had hurried over.
“I’m sorry to disturb you,” he said respectfully. “But… there’s a woman outside. She brought something for the Luna, says it’s one of her favorite things from when she lived here.”
blinked in confusion.
Someone from here? Bringing me something?
I shook my head slightly. That made no sense. I had no friends. No one who cared enough.
Audrey turned to look at me, raising a questioning eyebrow, but I could only frown and shrug.
Until Jonathan spoke again.
“She said her name is Maria”
The name hit me ke lightning.
I gasped audibly, the room spinning slightly as my breath caught in my chest.
Maria
Memories flooded my mind – warm smiles, late–night stories, secret hugs after my nightmares Maria had been the only one who truly cared for me at my parents‘ deaths. The head servant who had become a mother figure when I had no one else.
I felt my eyes sting with the rush of unshed tears.
Audrey, noticing my reaction, nodded quickly and stepped aside, signaling for Jonathan to let her in.
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The poor opened wider.
And there she was
Maria.
Older now
the years had etched lines of wisdom around her eyes and scattered silver into her once dark hair. But nothing nothing could dull the kindness radiating from her.
She stood frozen in the doorway, staring at me as if I were a ghost from a long forgotten dream.
“Ellaine?” she whispered, her voice trembling, raw with disbelief.
“Maria. I choked out her name.
And then I was moving.
Before Audrey or Monica could even react, I was out of bed, sprinting across the room barefoot.
I flung myself into Maria’s arms with a broken sob, the floodgates bursting open all at once.
She caught me immediately, just like she used to when I was small and scared, cradling me tightly against her chest.
1 buried my face into her shoulder, breathing in the familiar, comforting scent of lavender and old books. Memories rushed back so vividly it hurt.
The nights she stayed up with me when I couldn’t sleep.
The whispered stories about my parents when I missed them so much it ached.
The quiet strength she gave me when no one else even saw my pain.
“My sweet girl…” she murmured into my hair, her voice cracking. “You’re home… you’re finally home.”
I clung to her as if I could absorb all the years we had lost, the loneliness, the abandonment.
Audrey and Monica exchanged glances but didn’t interrupt. I think they understood that this moment wasn’t just important – it was sacred.
After a long while, I pulled back slightly, wiping my tears with the back of my hand, embarrassed by how much i had cried.
Maria cupped my cheeks gently, her thumb brushing away a lingering tear.
“You’ve grown into such a beautiful young woman,” she said, pride and sadness tangled in her voice. “Talways prayed the Moon Goddess would bring you back safe.”
sniffled, smiling weakly. “I missed you so much, Maria. I thought… I thought everyone forgot about me.”
“Never,” she said Bercely. “You were my daughter in all but blood. I could never forget you.”
My heart twisted painfully at her words.
Gently, she pulled something out from the bag she carried–aworn leather journal, tied carefully with a blue ribbon.
“I kept this,” she said, handing it to me with trembling fingers. “It’s your mother’s journal. She wrote letters to you… dreams she had for you. Ithaht you should have it now.
I gasped softly, reverently taking it from her hands.
It felt like holding a piece of my past I never thought I’d recover.
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Fresh tears weiled up again, but this time they were softer, sweeter
“Thank you, Maria,” (whispered, my voice cracking. “Thank you for everything.”
She only smiled, brushing my hair back affectionately. “No need for thanks, my darling. You were always meant for mate by your side too. You’re not alone anymore.
I nodded, clutching the journal tightly to my chest
i also brought something I know you love,” Maria teased, a playful glint in her eye.
peatness. And now you have your
Before I could even react, Audrey quickly stepped outside the room and returned a moment later, carrying a small box with a knowing smile, as if they had all been in on the surprise
My eyes widened the moment I caught a familiar, mouth watering scent drifting from the box.
“Cheese tarts?!” I gasped, my voice rising with pure shock and happiness.
Maria laughed warmly at my reaction. “No one makes them like I do, right?”
She was right. No one could ever beat Maria’s cheese tarts light, creamy, and slightly sweet with that perfect golden crust. The memory of sneaking bites in the kitchen, laughing with her late at night, rushed back and wrapped around my heart like a warm hug
We ended up sitting and talking for over an hour, catching up on everything and nothing, like no time had passed at all. Maria even waited patiently while I took a quick shower and changed into the beautiful clothes Monica had laid out for me.
The outfit was simple yet elegant- a soft Black blouse tucked into a flowing Black skirt. It wasn’t mine, I realized as I ran my fingers over the silky fabric. Brand new. Monica had gone out of her way to prepare something special, and my heart squeezed with gratitude.
When I stepped back into the room, Maria’s eyes shone with pride.
“You look every bit the Luna you were meant to be,” she said, squeezing my hand warmly.
Hand in hand, we left the room together. Audrey, Monica, Jeremy, and Joe followed close behind, forming a loose protective circle around us.
Maria leaned closer as we walked, “I heard about what happened this morning” she said in a hushed voice. “Your Alpha made it clear to everyone that you were injured because you pushed yourself too hard during Alpha Gregor’s memorial. He made sure everyone knew how much you sacrificed out of respect.”
She gave a little laugh, shaking her head. “Not that anyone would dare say anything against you now,” she added, her tone light and teasing.
Her words filled me with a strange
nge sense of pride and relief.
As we approached the outdoor dining area, I couldn’t help but tug
but tug Maria
va along with me, not wanting to let go of her just yet,
Francesco sat at a large table with several other Alphas and their Lunas, including Ruben and Raithlyn.
The moment Francesco caught sight of me, his head titted slightly, an amused, almost fond smile playing on his lips. With quiet authority, he stood up- from his seat a gesture that immediately made the other Alphas glance up too.
I felt a dozen pairs of eyes watching me, but somellow, with Maria’s hand in mine, I didn’t falter.
I stepped closer, giving a polite bow of my head. “I apologize for being late,” I said clearly.
No one commented. No one even looked displeased. Just as Maria had said–respect hung heavy in the air, surrounding me like an invisible shield.
Francesco nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on me warmly before flickering to Maria
Taking a small breath, I turned to introduce her. “Alpha Francesco, this is Maria. She’s she’s like a mother to me.”
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For a moment, Maria seemed stunned, as if umure she belonged in the presence of so many high–ranking wohes. But then Franceson stepped forward, offering her a warm and genuine smile the kind that reached his usually cold eye
“it’s an honor to meet you, Maria,” Ise said, indining his head with unexpected pooltenes. “Aynine who holds ane dear is honored by me as well
Maria’s eyes widened in disbelief before she quickly bowed her head deeply, clearly moved by the respect he
led me with
I couldn’t stop the wide smile that bloomed across my face. Seeing her treated with such kindness such dignity–filled me with a fierce jy
After a few more soft words and a promise that she would visit again soon, Maria gave my hand one last squeere before she hid her goodbye, returning to
her duties.
I stood there for a moment, watching her leave, feeling the bittersweet ache of having her so close and yet knowing she would always belong to another part of my life.
With a quict inhale, I turned and took my seat at the same table as Francesco, Truhen, and Kaithlyn
At the Alpha table.
As Luma of Lycaon.
Something no one-
not even myself–could have ever imagined just a few short months ago.
And yet, here I was
No longer broken. No longer invisible. And no longer alone.
