Chapter 65 Farewell

Chapter 65 Farewell
Lucienne’s Point of View

The morning air was crisp and filled with the gentle hum of conversation as the dining hall came alive. It was the day of farewells, and though my heart felt heavy at the thought of parting from my family and friends, the love and laughter filling the room helped to keep the sadness at bay.

The large oak table was laden with food—platters of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, pastries, and jugs of juice and coffee. My mates, Marc and Cole, sat on either side of me, their presence grounding me.

I glanced around the room, engraving every detail into my memory, knowing these moments would sustain me in the months ahead. My parents sat at the head of the table with their usual regal poise, though the warmth in their gazes betrayed their pride and love. My mother’s hand rested gently on my father’s, a gesture of the eternal love they shared.

My siblings surrounded them, each one a piece of my heart I would carry with me. My twin and other half, Cedric, ever the leader, wore a calm expression, but I could see the tension in his shoulders. I didn’t envy him. The weight of his future role was already settling on him.

Danielle’s laugh rang out, light and carefree, as Beta Eric leaned down to whisper something in her ear. The love between them was so evident, so effortless now. Thank the Goddess that Beatrice’s plan didn’t work, for I was grateful to have Danielle by my side as my Beta female. I would have hated having Beatrice in that position.

“What is that look for?” Marc said, leaning into me.

“I'm just grateful for my friends and family,” I answered, not wanting to discuss my feelings at the moment.

Nearby, Annabelle chatted animatedly with her parents. Her hands moved with excitement as she spoke, her passion for her new temporary role evident in every gesture. I smiled at the sight, knowing she would bring strength and zest to the Gamma position. A bonus meant she would remain here, tied to the Howling Moon Pack for at least a year.

I caught her eye, and she smiled warmly. “You’re going to do amazing things here,” I mind-linked her.

She grinned, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Lucienne. I’ll do my best. But don’t think I’ll be here forever—I’ve got plans,” she added with a wink.

Between her and Danielle, I wasn’t going to be without solid friends.

Bittersweet emotions churned within me—pride, gratitude, and an undeniable sadness. These people had been my anchor, my foundation. Leaving them felt like tearing away a part of myself, yet I knew this was the path the Moon Goddess had chosen for me. The bonds Marc, Cole, and I shared would not be broken, and to be honest, I wouldn’t want to be away from them. Three days without being able to feel or contact them felt like hell.

My gaze lingered on Cedric, who sat with a quiet intensity, his hand resting protectively on the back of Aaron’s chair. Aaron, at seventeen, was growing up. I was sure he was taller now than when we arrived here a couple of weeks ago. His features seemed more defined, though the mischievous spark in his eyes remained.

I caught him glancing toward Michaela. His expression conflicted, a blend of curiosity and resistance. My heart tightened at the sight. I let out a soft, contemplative sigh, my breath catching as my mind raced to absorb the moment. What if Mother was right and she was his mate? If so, how would he handle it? Their story was just beginning, and I couldn’t help but wonder how it would unfold.

Princess Sigrid, only twelve, sat primly beside Cedric, her silver hair gleaming under the morning light. She was already showing signs of the strong, intelligent woman she would become. Prince Jacob, at ten, fidgeted in his seat, barely restraining his excitement about the portal journey ahead. Little Prince Bastian and Princess Delaine sat on either side of my mother, their wide eyes darting around the room, taking in every detail with the unfiltered curiosity of youth.

I fought back the sting of tears as I looked at them. This was my family, my home. How could I say goodbye? Yet, I knew this wasn’t truly goodbye. It was a farewell to one chapter and the beginning of another. The love and lessons they’d given me would guide me as I stepped into my new role, my new life.

My chest tightened, the weight of the moment pressing down on me, but I refused to let the sadness overwhelm me. Instead, I focused on the love that filled the room, the laughter that echoed through the walls, and the bonds that would remain unbroken, no matter the distance. These memories would be my solace, my strength, and my reminder that no matter where I was, I would always carry them with me.

“Babe?” uttered Cole. “What’s up? Why the sadness?”

I guess I hadn’t gotten rid of the sadness early enough, and it linked through the bond. “Just a happy-sad moment,” I answered before laughing at my reply. 

When Cole lifted his eyebrows at me for explanation, I linked him the memory of Cedric and I as young children Delaine’s age, where we used to have bittersweet moments. Not knowing the word, we made up our own phrase: Happy-Sad it was.

After breakfast, it was time to say goodbye. My younger siblings surrounded me first.

“Be good for Mum and Dad,” I whispered to Bastian and Delaine as I knelt to hug them. Bastian’s six-year-old face was set in determination, but Delaine’s little lip wobbled. “I’ll see you soon,” I promised, though my heart ached at the thought of leaving them.

Sigrid and Jacob were next. “Don’t let the others boss you around,” I teased Sigrid, ruffling her hair. She rolled her eyes but hugged me tightly.

Aaron stepped forward, his usual easygoing smile replaced with a more serious expression. “Take care, Luce,” he said, his voice low.

“You too,” I replied, narrowing my eyes playfully. “And stop glaring at Michaela.”

He froze, his cheeks flushing, but before he could respond, Cedric clapped him on the back. “Don’t worry, Lucienne. I’ll keep him in line.”

When it was Cedric’s turn, he pulled me into a tight embrace. “I’ll miss you, Luce,” he murmured.

“I’ll miss you too,” I admitted. “But you’re going to be a great King when the time comes, Ced. I know it. And besides, it won’t be goodbye because I still have the Royal Gamma role to fulfil. We’ll be in touch all the time.”

As the portal Aunty Alise created shimmered into existence, it marked the departure of my family and friends. My mother approached with a knowing smile.

“Are you ready for this new chapter?” she asked, her hand resting on my shoulder.

I nodded. “I am. And besides, I’m not alone,” I said, glancing back at Marc and Cole.

Mother’s gaze softened. “No, you’re not. But remember, Lucienne, you’ll always have us. No matter where you are, you’ll always be my baby.”

Her words brought tears to my eyes, and I embraced her tightly before she stepped back into the portal.

Michaela was the last to say goodbye. She stood with her parents and Beta Eric, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you for giving me a second chance. For not giving up on me when I didn’t deserve it,” she whispered to me when I approached.

“You made the right choice when it mattered?” I said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Everyone deserves a second chance, Michaela. Make the most of it. You never know where it will take you.”

As Michaela turned to join the others, I noticed Aaron still watching her from the corner of the room. His expression was conflicted, and a part of me wondered what the next two weeks would bring. Yep. Things were about to get very interesting.

As the portal closed, leaving only the sound of those left in the dining room, I turned to face my new reality. Annabelle, Danielle, the Royal Guards, and my mates were all here, ready to take on whatever challenges came next.

I took a deep breath, letting the weight of the past and the promise of the future settle over me. This wasn’t just the end of one chapter—it was the turning of a page, the start of something new and unknown.

The quiet hum of laughter and voices from nearby friends and pack members filled the air around me. Marc and Cole stood at my side, their presence grounding me, their hands warm in mine. It wasn’t the grandeur of victory or the light of a new day that made this moment extraordinary—it was the simple truth that I wasn’t standing alone.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn’t just surviving or consumed by duty. I was living—truly living, cherishing the moments with the people who mattered most. As I looked around at the faces of those who had stood by me, fought for me, and believed in me, I realised this wasn’t just a beginning—it was a reminder of what made every battle worth fighting.

This was home.