Chapter 29: The Weight of Kindness

Seraphine's POV

As we continued our walk from the market, Cordelia's enthusiasm didn't wane. "We'd train you!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright with ideas.

Stop. Please stop.

But she kept going. Kept painting this picture of a life I could never have.

This is torture.

---

We ended up in a small shop near the end of the street. Moonstone Crafts.

Inside smelled like wood and lavender. Shelves lined with handmade items—carved figurines, woven baskets, embroidered cloth.

An older woman looked up from behind the counter. Her face creased into a warm smile.

"Delia! Haven't seen you in days."

"Been busy, Marge." Cordelia pulled me forward. "This is Sera. She's new to the pack."

Marge's smile grew. "Welcome, dear. First time in Shadowmere?"

"Yes," I managed.

"Well, you picked a good pack. Best Alpha in five territories." She winked. "Don't tell the others I said that."

Best Alpha. Right.

But I forced a smile. "I'll keep it secret."

Marge laughed. Started asking questions. Where was I from. What skills did I have.

I answered carefully. Kept it vague.

Cordelia jumped in when I hesitated. Filling gaps. Making excuses.

She's protecting me. Even from harmless questions.

"If you know any weaving or stitching, I could use help around here," Marge said eventually. "Pay isn't much but it's steady work."

"That's very generous," I said.

Marge waved a hand. "Nonsense. We take care of our own." She disappeared behind a shelf and came back with something small in her palm. "Here. Welcome gift."

She pressed a small cloth sachet into my hand. It smelled like herbs. Calming.

"Lavender and chamomile," she explained. "Helps with stress. Keeps the bad dreams away."

I stared at the small bundle in my palm.

Why. Why are you giving this to me.

"Thank you," I whispered.

My hand was shaking.

Marge squeezed my shoulder. "You're pack now, dear. That means something here."

I'm not pack. I'm a liar. A thief.

But I couldn't say that.

So I just nodded. Held the sachet tight.

---

We left the shop in silence.

I could feel Cordelia watching me. Studying.

Shit. Was I too obvious?

My mind was racing through the mental map. Eastern path. Three guard posts. One wolf per station at night. Maybe midnight would be best.

I'd need supplies. Food. Water. Maybe a weapon.

The training grounds had racks of knives—

"You're thinking about him, aren't you?"

Cordelia's voice cut through my planning.

I blinked. Looked at her. "What?"

"Kaelen." Her expression was knowing. Sympathetic. "What happened this morning. Him and Vespera."

Oh.

Oh, perfect.

She thought I was upset about that. About seeing him with Vespera.

Let her think it. Better than the truth.

"I'm not—" I started.

"It's okay." She squeezed my arm. "I saw your face when he took her hand. When they walked away together."

The bond pulsed in my chest. Unwelcome.

Shut up. I don't care.

But even as I thought it, I knew it was a lie.

Some part of me—some stupid part—had felt the connection shift when he'd touched Vespera. Had felt the cold settle over it.

Doesn't matter. None of it matters.

"I'm fine," I said. "Really."

Cordelia shook her head. "You don't have to pretend. Not with me."

We walked in silence for a moment. The sun was lower now. Casting long shadows.

The information she'd given me earlier circled in my mind.

There was a girl. Something bad happened. She's gone.

But what really happened? What isn't Cordelia telling me?

The way she'd chosen her words so carefully. The way she'd looked away.

She knows more than she's saying.

Through the bond, I could still sense him. Distant. Cold.

What did you do, Kaelen? What happened to her?

I pushed the thoughts away.

Doesn't matter. I won't be here long enough to find out.

But Cordelia was still watching me. Her expression concerned.

"He chose her," I said quietly. "Over me. Over finding Lyralei."

"He chose what's familiar," Cordelia corrected gently. "What's safe. What doesn't make him feel."

And I make him feel.

The thought settled uncomfortably.

"Well, too bad," I said. Voice sharper than I intended. "I didn't ask to make him feel anything."

Cordelia was quiet for a moment.

"I know," she finally said. "And I know it's not fair. But—" She paused. "—maybe give him time. Give yourself time. Things might surprise you."

They won't.

But I didn't say that.

---

We walked back toward the residential area in silence.

The sun was setting. Orange light spilling across the village.

Cordelia kept talking eventually. Kept planning.

"Once your sister is found, you could both stay in one of the family cottages. They're small but comfortable."

Starting over. As if it's that simple.

"And there's a community dinner every week. Everyone brings food."

I don't want to meet people. I want my sister back.

"The training center we mentioned earlier... Your sister could find her place there. Learn to accept herself."

Stop.

"And you—" Cordelia turned to face me. Her expression so earnest it hurt. "You could finally have a real home. Safety. Stability. Everything you deserve."

Something inside me cracked.

"Why are you doing this?" The words burst out.

Cordelia blinked. "What?"

"Why are you being so nice to me? Planning my whole life when you barely know me?"

She smiled. Soft and sad.

"Because I know what it's like," she said quietly. "To feel alone. To feel like you have to fight the world by yourself." Her hand found mine. Squeezed. "You don't have to anymore. We're here. I'm here."

Don't. Don't say things like that.

"Seraphine." Her voice was gentle. Firm. "You and Lyralei—you both deserve this. You deserve to be part of something good."

My throat was so tight I could barely breathe.

I don't deserve anything. I'm lying to you right now.

But I couldn't say that.

Cordelia pulled me into a hug. Sudden. Warm.

"We can be your family," she whispered. "If you let us."

I stood there. Frozen. Arms at my sides.

Family.

The word echoed. Mocking.

I can't have a family. Everyone I love gets hurt.

Slowly, I wrapped my arms around her. Returned the hug.

Forgive me.

"Thank you," I said. Voice hoarse. "For everything."

I'm sorry.

When we pulled apart, Cordelia was smiling. Eyes bright.

"Come on," she said. "Let's get you back. You must be exhausted."