Chapter: 11

Kieran’s broad shoulders formed a commanding silhouette beside his parents across the aisle.

Leona Blackthorn noticed me watching her and pressed her lips tightly together.

Just as my own family had cast me aside, the Blackthorns had refused to accept me. To them, I was Kieran’s lawful wife, but never his Luna.

Even after Kieran inherited the Alpha title, his mother had kept hers. Now she looked at me with a cold satisfaction that told me all I needed to know—she was thrilled about the divorce.

The stain on their family name had finally been washed away. A small, warm hand slipped into mine.

Daniel had wriggled free from my mother’s arms and now stood between Celeste and me, a tiny, defiant barrier between two worlds. His fingers squeezed mine tightly—wordlessly saying, I'm here.

I swallowed my grief and drew strength from this brave little boy who should never have had to be the strong one.

The organ’s mournful notes filled the air, signaling the start of the service.

Just a few more hours, I told myself. I could endure that long.

I had to hand it to Celeste—her timing was impeccable.

She waited the entire ceremony.

During the burial, as we each took turns tossing handfuls of dirt onto Father's coffin, she lingered, patient as a viper.

When everyone else finally drifted away, only Daniel and I remained, watching the grave diggers at work.

“Long time no see, sister,” she said as she approached, her voice sugary and false. “You look... as pathetic as ever.”

“And you look as insufferable as ever,” I shot back. “So stay out of my way, unless you want me to stop being polite.”

“Oh, sister,” Celeste hissed, feigning amusement. “So you've found your fangs at last? But did you really think I'd slink away quietly this time?” Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. “Ten years, Seraphina. For ten years, you toyed with my life. But now I’m taking back everything that’s mine—my family, my status...” Her breath warmed my ear. “My Kieran.”

At our father’s grave, I nearly laughed aloud.

Absurd.

She had always had everything— their love, their loyalty, Kieran’s heart. None of it had ever truly belonged to me. You can’t lose what was never yours.

And I didn’t need it.

“Oh, I'm terrified,” I said, pressing a hand to my chest in mock fear. “Are you finished, darling? Can I go now?”

“You'd better mean what you say,” Celeste snapped as she turned away. “Because no one will hand you a tissue when you start crying.”

Then, as if on cue, she feigned grief and collapsed into Kieran’s arms. Over his shoulder, she flashed me a sly, triumphant smile.

“Mom?” Daniel's small hand found mine again. My brave boy—always standing between me and the world. “Don’t worry. I'll always be on your side.”