Chapter: 9

“Why wouldn't I be?” Daniel didn’t look up from the pieces. “Besides, you're adults. I'm sure you thought carefully before making your decision.”

“But... a lot of kids don’t want their parents to split up,” Kieran said, frowning.

“But you don’t love Mom,” Daniel said simply, lifting his head. “I—” Kieran froze.

“It’s okay,” Daniel said, waving a hand dismissively. “You don’t have to lie. |know you and Mom both love me. That’s enough.”

“And anyway, Mom’s really pretty,” he added seriously. “She won't have trouble dating again. She'll find someone younger and stronger than you.

Kieran laughed softly. “You're right—your mom is beautiful. I can’t deny that.” The tension in the room eased, then he said more seriously, “Daniel, take care of your mom for me, okay?”

I froze outside the door, stunned. Kieran had never said anything like that before. For a moment, it almost sounded like he cared.

But it didn’t matter anymore. I knocked lightly.

“Mom!” Daniel jumped up and ran to me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Hey, sweetheart.” I kissed the top of his head.

“Did you finish everything?” he asked, tilting his head up at me with wide, curious eyes. “I mean... you're officially not with Dad anymore, right?”

I brushed a hand through his hair. “Of course.”

“Great! Then let’s go find you a new boyfriend!” Daniel said with a wink, his tone suddenly bright and mischievous.

Seraphina’s POV

I brought Daniel to our new apartment, and he happily set up his new room.

As I unpacked my own belongings, I felt a long, quiet sigh of relief rise in my chest when everything was finally in place.

This was mine. Completely mine. No more disappointment.

That night, Daniel and I didn’t bother cooking. We ordered pizza, and by the time we finished eating, we were both exhausted.

When the pale light of dawn finally broke through my blackout curtains, I realized I had slept well for the first time in ages—but today, I had something important to do.

Today we would bury my father.

My mother had insisted that I be there. She said all I had to do was follow instructions, play the role of a polite stranger, and leave quietly.

I was divorced from Kieran now. The hatred between us—between our families—ended here. After today, our lives would be completely separate.

Our new apartment sat in the neutral zone between packs. I didn’t belong to any pack yet, but this place was safe. That was why I dared to bring Daniel here.

As for my plans... I hadn’t really figured them out yet. My savings were enough to get by.