Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Chapter 31
10 vouchers
Arthin sat cross-legged on the floor, his iPad balanced on his knees as he tapped away at a duck game. His nanny sat nearby. but the moment the door opened and Cassia stepped in, she rose quickly.
Ma’am,” the nanny greeted with a bow before quietly leaving.
“Mommy!” Arthur’s face lit up.
Cassia’s smile softened as she crouched beside him. “Hey, honey. How was school today p>
“It was fine, Mommy,” he said, eyes still darting to the screen before pausing the game.
She studied him, the spitting image of Aiden. It still struck her every time. In spite of all the pain tied to Aiden. Arthur remained the one pure, beautiful thing that had come from their relationship. Eva too… but thinking of her brought an ache that never seemed to fade.
The thought of returning to Red Moon Pack churned in her chest. That place was a graveyard of memories she had fought to bury, memories of betrayal, heartbreak, and wounds that had barely begun to heal.
But her mother was sick. She was the only one who had loved her without conditions, who had stood by her no matter what Cassia wouldn’t let her die alone. And her father… well, she loved him too.
She glanced at Arthur, weighing the words she needed to tell him. She’d considered leaving him here, but the thought of him alone made her stomach twist. The last time she’d been away for just three days, he’d fallen ill with a fever. She wouldn’ risk that again.
“Mommy?” Arthur’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.
“Yes, sweetheart p>
“What’s wrong?” he asked, setting the iPad aside, his full attention fixed on her.
“Nothing is wrong, honey p>
He frowned. “Mommy, I know that look. You’re worried about something. Tell me… you promised no lying p>
She tried to smile, but his small, earnest face made it impossible to deflect. “What do you mean ‘that look? I’m fine p>
Arthur crossed his arms. “You are lying p>
Her lips curved despite herself. “Okay, fine…” She drew in a slow breath. “Something came up. There’s a disease spreading through the packs, and… you know I’m a doctor. I’ve been called to see if it’s something I can treat. It’s in Red Moon Pack p>
He tilted his head, processing. “So… we’re leaving Velaris and going there p>
She blinked, surprised at how quickly he understood, She nodded.
“That’s okay, Mommy. If it’s for your work, then we should go. Should I start packing my things p>
Her throat tightened, and her vision blurred with sudden tears. Sometimes she wondered if she truly deserved a son like
him
Maybe the Moon Goddess had given him to her as a balm for all the hurt she’d endured. From the moment he came into her life, the weight of her pain had felt just a little lighter.
1/2
Chapter 31
10 vouchers
The memory of Eva’s face pushed in, unbidden. Her sweet, innocent girl, too good for this cruel world. Cassia had sworn she’d find her killer. And she would.
“Mommy? Why are you crying?” Arthur’s little hand reached up to wipe her tears.
“Nothing… I just love you so much,” she whispered.
“I love you too, Mommy,” he said with a bright smile, leaning into her hug. They stayed like that for a long moment before he pulled back and headed for his wardrobe.
“So, Mommy… this Red Moon Pack… is it as good and peaceful as Velaris p>
She hesitated, forcing a hum of agreement she didn’t quite feel. In truth, Red Moon was nothing like Velaris. But no matter what, she would keep him safe.
“When are we leaving?” he asked as he folded a small jacket with deliberate care.
“Tomorrow morning, maybe afternoon. It’s far from Velaris, so we have to start early p>
“I’ll help you pack,” she offered, taking the jacket from his hands to refold it neatly.
“I’ll make new friends there, right p>
“Yes, you will,” she assured him, managing a smile.
A knock sounded at the door. They exchanged curious glances.
“I’ll get it,” Arthur said, padding over to the door. He pulled it open and his face lit up.
“Uncle Damien p>
Cassia’s head snapped up, and her heartbeat stumbled into a faster rhythm.
TBC