Page 51 of The Moonborn's Curse

The older woman straightened, turning to Draken with an air of quiet authority. "She's not leaving."

Draken's head snapped toward her. "What?"

"She's going to stay here," the Oracle repeated, her voice calm but absolute. "Until she finds her footing."

Seren held her breath.

Astrid immediately shook her head. "That's not what we discussed—"

"She is tired. Overwhelmed. You want her to learn our ways?" The Oracle's sharp gaze cut through them like a blade. "Then let her do it without being thrown into the deep end."

Draken's jaw tightened, but he hesitated.

Astrid's frown deepened. "We intended for her to stay at the main house, to be near Hagan—"

Hagan was silent throughout, but Seren didn't need to hear his words to know what he was thinking.

She already could.

Please let her stay here.

Not because he wanted what was best for her.

But because he didn't want her close.

That realization settled deep and cold in her chest. This was nothing like what she expected.

For the first time, Seren looked at him fully.

His fists were clenched at his sides, his expression unreadable, but there was no mistaking the relief beneath the surface.

He didn't want her here.

And that—

That hurt.

Draken exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose, clearly weighing the options.

The Oracle gave him a patient look, like she already knew he was going to give in.

Finally, after a long, tense silence, he muttered, "Fine. For now."

Astrid opened her mouth to protest, but Draken's sigh cut her off.

After a long moment, he relented. "Fine. For now."

Astrid exhaled softly, then stepped forward.

Seren could hear the thoughts between them.

What will I do with him?

Should have told him sooner

Why does he not listen?

Before Seren could react, the Lunara pulled her into a brief, warm hug—unexpected but welcome.

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