Chapter 246
Jaselyn's POV
“We’ve missed you so much, Jaselyn,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Everyone gathered around, expressing their happiness at seeing me, relieved that both the babies and I were safe. Luna Daryna spoke up, her voice filled with sincerity. “We were worried sick about you, dear. I prayed every day for your safe return. Thank the goddess you’re back with us.”
Lian, ever the joker, tried to lighten the mood. “Hey, Jaselyn,” he said with a playful grin, “you have no idea how much we’ve missed you. Without your smile around, I’ve had to tell twice as many jokes to keep everyone's spirits up. The pressure's been unbearable!”
I couldn’t help but laugh at Lian’s joke, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside me. It was the first genuine laugh I had felt in what seemed like forever, and it felt good. The room filled with laughter, and for a moment, everything felt normal again. I realized then that maybe I had nothing to worry about. They didn’t see me any differently. To them, I'm still the same Jaselyn.
Larose smiled at me, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Carol has something she wants to say to you, Jaselyn,” she said softly.
Lian gently set Carol down on the floor, and the little girl hesitated for a moment before climbing into my lap and wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. I hugged her back, feeling a surge of comfort from her small embrace. When she pulled back, she took a deep breath, her eyes meeting mine with determination.
“I… am… glad… you… are… back,” Carol said slowly, her voice stuttering over each word. “I… really… missed… you.”
Wait, did Carol just speak?! She has the cutest voice I've ever heard!
Tears filled my eyes as I realized I just witnessed Carol speaking for the first time. I hugged her tightly again, overcome with emotion. “Oh, Carol, I missed you too,” I whispered, my voice choking with tears.
Larose smiled, her eyes misty as she watched us. “Thank you, Jaselyn,” she said softly. “If it weren’t for you, Carol would never have found the courage to speak again.”
I was overwhelmed with happiness, grateful for this moment, for the love and support of my family. “I’m so proud of you, Carol,” I said, holding her close. “You’re so brave.”
Larose wiped a tear from her eye, her voice filled with pride. “She’s been practicing all week just so she could say those words to you.”
My heart melted at her words, and I hugged Carol even tighter. “Thank you, sweetheart,” I whispered. “You’ve made me so happy.”
Luna Daryna smiled warmly, her eyes filled with love. “We’ve been missing you at the table, Jaselyn. The food hasn’t tasted the same without you. Are you ready to share a meal with us again?”
I nodded, a smile spreading across my face. “I’d love that,” I said, feeling a warmth in my chest that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Together, we made our way to the dining room, the familiar sights and smells bringing back a flood of memories. As lunch was served, Rion leaned over and whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. “See, I told you there was nothing to worry about. The family loves you, and so do all the pack members. Nothing has changed, and things will only get better. You’ll always be the perfect Luna and the woman I love until the end of time.”
I flushed at his words, a blush creeping up my cheeks. “I love you too, Rion, to the moon and back.” I murmured, my heart swelling with emotion.
He kissed my hand gently, his eyes shining with love. “I’ve hired a really good therapist for you,” he said softly. “She’ll help you overcome the trauma and PTSD. I’ll be with you every step of the way, and so will our family. I know you’ll get through this, Jas. You’re my mighty Luna, after all.”
I nodded, feeling a newfound sense of confidence and determination. “Thank you, Rion,” I said, squeezing his hand. “I won’t let Zane ruin my life. I won’t let him have any control over me even from beyond the grave. I’ll overcome this. I promise.”
Rion smiled, his eyes filled with pride. “That’s my princess,” he said, his voice filled with warmth. “And don’t worry, Erik is already preparing the warriors for war. In a month’s time, when you’re more stable, we’ll invade the Black Moon Pack, get Celio back, and finally make Isla pay for her crimes.”
I nodded, a steely resolve settling in my chest. “We’ll get him back,” I said firmly. “And we’ll make sure that witch never hurts anyone again.”
Rion nodded, his hand squeezing mine in silent agreement. As we sat together at the table, surrounded by the love and support of our family, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me. The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but I know I'm not alone. I have Rion, I have my family, and I have the strength within me to overcome anything.
And I will. I will overcome this. For myself, for Rion, for my babies, and for the life I'm determined to reclaim!