Chapter 151

Chapter 151
Seraphina's POV

When Lucian pushed open the cabin door, I was nursing Vitalis. Morning light streamed through the window, warm and peaceful. I looked up at him, my heartbeat quickening, yet I tried to appear calm.

"You contacted your family?" My tone was much calmer than I actually felt.

He sat down across from me, maintaining appropriate distance. "Yes."

"They know about Vitalis?"

He nodded. "I told them about Vitalis's birth, and about him carrying Silver Moon Depletion Syndrome."

I unconsciously tightened my hold on Vitalis. He seemed to sense my tension and made a discontented sound. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to relax.

"What did they say?" I finally asked.

"Father wants to come, along with Willow and Claire." He answered honestly. "But Seraphina, they're not coming to pressure you. Father said the pack has inherited ritual instruments and rare herbs that can improve the ceremony's success rate. Willow has witnessed this ceremony and knows how to increase effectiveness. There are also warriors to help guard against interference."

I looked down at Vitalis in my arms. He had finished feeding, closing his eyes contentedly, his small hand still gripping my finger. Lucian's family, coming here, to my safe space. The wolves who had made my life in Blackmane Pack unbearable.

"Seraphina," Lucian leaned forward but didn't get too close, "I know this is difficult for you. If you don't agree, I'll tell them right now not to come. Vitalis's health is most important, but your feelings matter just as much. I won't make you do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

I looked up at him, surprise stirring in my heart. "You'd really refuse them? Even if those instruments and experience could improve the ceremony's success rate? Even if it might be a matter of Vitalis's life?"

"Yes." He said without hesitation, his gaze firm. "Your and Vitalis's feelings always come first. I've disappointed you too many times. This time I won't make the same mistake. If you say no, then it's no. We can rely solely on Donny and Northern Peak's resources."

I stared at him, trying to find any sign of deception in his face. But all I saw was sincerity and something close to desperate hope. I looked down at sleeping Vitalis. Could I really let personal pain stand in the way of his best chance at survival?

"Let them come." The words came out lighter than I'd imagined. "For Vitalis. If their help can improve the success rate even a little bit, I can't refuse because of personal feelings."

Lucian visibly relaxed, his breathing becoming rapid.

"Seraphina..."

"But Lucian, I have conditions." I raised my head. "They can only stay in the guest houses near the healing center. They cannot enter this cabin freely. This is my and Vitalis's safe space. I need a place where I can retreat."

"I understand." He immediately agreed.

"Also, if I feel their presence causes any pressure or discomfort to me or Vitalis, they must leave immediately. No matter what stage the ceremony preparation has reached. Vitalis's health is important, but my mental state matters just as much—Donny said my emotions will affect life force stability, which affects the ceremony's success rate."

"I promise." He said. "I'll make it clear to them. Your comfort is most important."

I nodded, then suddenly thought of something, my heart tightening. "Will Mira come?"

Lucian's body visibly stiffened. "No. Absolutely not. I'll make it clear to Father that Mira cannot come. She cannot appear at Northern Peak."

I carefully observed his expression, finally nodding, though the unease in my heart hadn't dissipated.

He immediately used the moonstone to reconnect with Father, explaining my decision and conditions. When he mentioned Mira, his tone was stern, almost making me believe him.

On the morning of the fifth day, I was changing Vitalis's diaper. The little one kicked his legs, giggling, warming my heart. His condition had been stable these past few days. Though we were still waiting for detailed blood test results, at least he looked like a healthy baby.

"You little troublemaker." I said softly, bending down to kiss his small forehead.

Just then, Ember rushed in, her expression tense.

"Seraphina, Blackmane Pack's group has arrived."

My hands froze. "This fast?"

"Yes. Lucian's already gone to meet them." Ember walked over and gripped my hand. "It'll be fine."

I nodded, picked up Vitalis and walked to the window, unable to resist wanting to see them arrive. Through the glass, I saw the group at the forest entrance.

Walking at the front was Dwayne. His silver-gray fur gleamed in the morning light, his steps steady and powerful. All the memories of feeling small and unrecognized in his presence flooded back.

Following closely was Willow, leaning on a wooden staff yet walking firmly. There was Claire, along with five fit-looking warriors, carrying heavy packs—probably ritual instruments and herbs.

My gaze swept over the group, and suddenly my breathing caught.

At the very back of the group, head lowered, deep red fur particularly striking—

Mira.

"No..." I almost whispered, holding Vitalis tighter.

"What's wrong?" Ember immediately noticed.

"Mira." I tried to control the tremor in my voice. "She's with them."

Ember followed my gaze, her expression changing too. "Damn it. Didn't Lucian say she wouldn't come?"

I watched Lucian freeze, then quickly stride toward Dwayne. Though I couldn't hear their conversation, Lucian's tense shoulders and exaggerated gestures showed the argument. My chest tightened, that familiar pain striking again—in Blackmane Pack, I'd often felt Lucian put everyone before me.

Dwayne seemed to be explaining, pointing toward Mira and Claire. Lucian shook his head, his attitude growing more resolute. I could read his lips—"You promised."

Then Lucian turned and walked toward Mira, saying something in a low voice. Mira lowered her head, her shoulders trembling—she was crying. Claire walked over and pulled her aside, the two exchanging a few words. Finally, the group moved toward the healing center, Mira positioned at the back, clearly "escorted" by two warriors. But it wasn't enough. It would never be enough.

"I need to talk to Lucian." I handed Vitalis to Ember. "Watch him for a moment."

"Seraphina, you need to stay calm." Ember looked at me worriedly.

"I am calm." I said, though even I could hear the tremor in my voice.

I walked out of the cabin and met Lucian hurrying back. His face looked terrible, his eyes full of guilt and anger.

"Seraphina, I—" he began.

"Why is she here?" I interrupted, trying to keep my voice steady. "You said she wouldn't come. Your father promised too."

"I didn't know she'd follow." Lucian's frustration was evident. "Father definitely warned Mira not to come. But before departure, Mira suddenly appeared, saying she wanted to help care for Claire. Claire's injury hasn't healed—she needs someone to look after her, and Mira's been helping. Claire pleaded for her, saying she needed her care on the journey, and Mira promised to keep her distance and not disturb you..."

"So your father just agreed?" My voice rose involuntarily. Suppressed anger nearly burst forth.

Lucian stepped closer, and I had to resist the urge to back away. "Seraphina, I've already made arrangements. Mira will be housed in the farthest guest house, monitored by two warriors around the clock. She won't have any chance to approach here, I promise. I've also warned her—any unusual behavior and she'll be sent back to Blackmane Pack immediately."

I looked at him, desperately wanting to believe. But how many times had I believed before, only to end up disappointed?

"If she dares come near Vitalis..." My voice turned cold, protective instinct overwhelming everything.

"She won't." Lucian wanted to reach out to comfort me but stopped under my gaze. "I promise. If you want her to leave immediately, I'll arrange it right now."

I fell silent, my mind rapidly weighing options. Reason told me I should send Mira away immediately, but I also understood this would make the situation more tense and might affect Dwayne and the others' assistance. If Mira really was just here to care for Claire—but when had she ever done anything without ulterior motives?

"Let her stay." The words tasted bitter in my mouth. "But Lucian, if she makes any unusual moves, even just appearing in my line of sight, I want her gone immediately. Not back to the guest house—back to Blackmane Pack."

"I understand." Lucian solemnly promised. "I'll personally supervise, and I'll make Father understand—Mira's presence is temporary and conditional."

I turned to leave, trying to get away before my emotions exploded. But his voice came from behind: "Seraphina, I'm sorry. I should have been more insistent, shouldn't have given Father any room for compromise."

I stopped but didn't turn around. "I've heard enough of your apologies, Lucian. What I want to see now is action."

Back in the cabin, I took Vitalis from Ember's arms. The little one was sleeping soundly, completely unaware that danger had quietly arrived.

"How did it go?" Ember asked softly.

"Mira will be closely monitored." I said, but even I felt the words were hollow and powerless. "I hope that's enough."

But I knew in my heart it was far from enough. Mira's presence was like a ticking time bomb. I didn't know when she would explode, but I knew she would.

About an hour later, there was a gentle knock on the door. Ember went to answer and nodded to me.

"It's Willow."

I took a deep breath, holding Vitalis against my chest. "Let her in."