Page 50 of The Moonborn's Curse

And then—

She whispered something into Seren's ear.

A secret.

A message meant only for her.

Seren’s tight shoulders relaxed slightly, her fingers clutching the Oracle's cardigan as another tear slipped down her cheek.

The wolves could smell the salt in the air.

The scent of her tears.

Hagan's voice cut through it like a blade.

"See, Dad?" he muttered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Weak."

The Oracle pulled away slowly, but as she turned to Hagan—

Her expression sharpened.

And the look she gave him—

It was like a knife.

Hagan's mouth snapped shut.

A little later, Seren stood at the doorway, her fingers curled into the fabric of the Oracle's cardigan, reluctant to let go.

The older woman smelled of lavender and herbs, a scent that wrapped around her like safety itself. It had been too long since anyone had held her like this—without expectation, without judgment. Just warmth. Just understanding.

Letting go felt like stepping off the edge of something solid.

Still, she forced herself to let go, her movements slow and heavy. The Oracle gave her a knowing look, like she already understood what Seren wasn't saying out loud.

The Alpha family stood waiting at the door.

Draken looked impatient, his arms crossed over his chest, his golden eyes sharp. Astrid, at his side, seemingly eager to go home.

And Hagan—

Hagan was expressionless like he had already left.

Draken let out a sharp breath. "Come. It's time to go."

Seren stiffened, her stomach twisting.

Her feet wouldn't move.

She didn't want to go.

Not back to that longhouse. Not into the suffocating weight of expectation. Not into Hagan's presence, where she could feel nothing but his resentment clawing at her mind.

The Oracle was still watching her.

And in that moment, something in her expression changed.

A decision was made.

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