Chapter 153

Chapter 153
Seraphina's POV

That afternoon, when Claire knocked, I almost didn't let her in. But something made me nod, and Ember opened the door.

Claire stood at the doorway, eyes red and swollen. When she saw me, tears welled up again.

"Seraphina, I..." She choked up. "'I'm sorry' is too light—it can't express my..."

She couldn't continue, just stood there crying. I looked at her, complex emotions intertwining. This was the Claire who had once mocked me as a "border wolf," who deliberately tripped me on the training ground, who loudly proclaimed "she's not worthy of Lucian" in the dining hall.

But this was also the Claire I'd saved at Howling Hall, whose life had been in my hands.

"Come in." I said, surprising even myself.

Claire slowly walked in, pulling out a small bundle from her backpack and handing it to me. "I... I made some clothes for Vitalis. I don't know if they'll fit."

I opened the bundle, my breath catching. Inside were carefully sewn small clothes, soft blankets, each made with the softest materials, stitches fine and even. In the corner of the blanket was embroidered a small wolf under a full moon, surrounded by protective runes.

"Very beautiful." I said sincerely, stroking the fabric. "Thank you, Claire. These runes..."

"Are protection symbols." Claire said eagerly. "I asked Willow to teach me. She said these ancient runes can provide extra protection, especially during the ceremony. I... I want to do something for Vitalis."

She hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke: "Seraphina, about Mira... you need to be careful of her."

My nerves immediately tensed. "What do you mean?"

Claire bit her lip, clearly struggling. Finally she said quietly, "On the way to Northern Peak, I noticed her state was very wrong. She was very quiet, but that kind of quiet... wasn't peaceful, but suppressed, ready to explode at any moment."

"Did she say anything?" I asked.

"Nothing directly." Claire shook her head. "But once during a rest, I saw her staring at the box of ritual instruments Dwayne brought. Her eyes were strange, filled with hatred, jealousy, and... something darker. I asked her what she was looking at. She just smiled and said 'nothing,' but that smile made me very uncomfortable."

She paused, her voice lower: "Last night when we were camping, I woke up in the middle of the night and saw Mira standing outside, talking to herself at the moon. I couldn't hear what she was saying, but her voice was full of resentment and determination."

My heart sank, cold dread pooling in my stomach. "Did you tell Lucian?"

"Not yet. I wasn't sure if I was overthinking." Claire said. "But Seraphina, I think you should know. Mira's resentment toward you might be deeper than we imagine. And now, with a vulnerable child here..."

She didn't finish, but we both understood. Mira had always wanted what I had, and now Vitalis had become a new target.

"I'll be careful." I said, though the words felt powerless. "Thank you for telling me, Claire."

"One more thing." Claire's voice dropped even lower. "I'll keep watching her. If she makes any suspicious moves, I'll tell you and Lucian immediately. Seraphina, I owe you my life. Now, let me use this life to protect you and Vitalis."

After Claire left, I sat by the window, watching the sky gradually darken outside. Vitalis slept quietly in the cradle, his small hand gripping the moonstone amulet Willow had given him. So innocent, yet unaware that danger lurked just outside the door.

Ember sat beside me, comfortingly holding my hand.

"How do you feel?"

"Very complicated." I said quietly. "Willow's blessing was sincere, and Dwayne's apology was sincere too. I can feel they're really trying to make amends, and they genuinely feel guilty about Vitalis's situation."

"But?" Ember knew me too well.

"But Mira's presence is like a shadow that won't let me fully relax." I finally voiced the fear in my heart. "And... even if they're all very sincere now, it can't erase the hurt from the past. That pain won't disappear because of a few apologies."

Ember gripped my hand tightly. "I know. Healing takes time. But at least they're trying, and they really realize their mistakes. It's a good start."

"Yes." I said softly. "A start."

That evening, Lucian brought dinner. He brought fresh game and nutritious soup Donny had prepared, carefully placing it on the table.

"How was today?" He asked, still maintaining his usual distance.

"Your family all... tried very hard." I chose my words carefully. "Willow's blessing was beautiful, and your father's apology was sincere. They genuinely feel guilty about Vitalis's situation."

Complex emotions flashed in Lucian's eyes—relief, pain, guilt, all intertwined.

"I feel guilty too. If I'd stood up for you earlier, if I could have made the pack change sooner..."

"Lucian," I interrupted, tired of this cycle. "What's past is past. What matters now is Vitalis and the upcoming ceremony."

"You're right." He nodded, but the guilt remained written on his face.

"Lucian," I looked at him directly, my tone grave. "Claire said Mira's state on the journey was very wrong. She saw Mira staring at the ritual instrument box with strange eyes. And Mira was talking to herself at the moon in the middle of the night."

Lucian's expression immediately turned serious, his body tensing.

"Did she say anything specific?"

I told him everything Claire had told me, watching his face grow increasingly dark.

"I'll strengthen surveillance." He said, his tone cold. "I'll talk to Mira personally and make it absolutely clear—any unusual behavior will have consequences."

"Be careful." I reminded. "A desperate wolf is most dangerous. And Lucian, if she really wants to do something, she might be very subtle, very patient. Don't underestimate her."

"I won't." Lucian's eyes flashed with firm coldness. "Seraphina, I promise not to let her hurt you and Vitalis. I've already let you bear too much. This time, I won't fail."

After he left, I walked to the cradle and looked at sleeping Vitalis. In the dim light, he looked so peaceful, so perfect. My heart contracted with love and fear.

"Little one," I said softly, stroking his soft cheek. "Your family all came to see you today. Your great-grandmother gave you blessings and protection, your grandfather admitted his mistakes and is willing to make amends, your aunt made you beautiful clothes. Maybe we really can have a new beginning."

But when I looked out the window at the farthest guest house in the distance, unease surged up like a tide.

In that room, though I couldn't see her, I knew Mira was standing by the window, watching our small cabin through the darkness. I could feel her gaze—cold, persistent, filled with some dark determination that made me shudder.

I held Vitalis tighter, breathing in his sweet scent, keeping myself grounded.

"No matter what happens," I told him, my voice firm, "Mama will protect you. No one can hurt you. I swear it."