Jolyn's Pov
As I shared a meal with my parents, our conversation flowed easily. My mother mentioned that Lady Malia had prepared all the food. I was impressed by her culinary skills; everything tasted incredible.
As the evening wore on, I found myself recounting the story of Ryner, even though I hadn't intended to bring up the man who had rejected me. My mother had inquired about my past relationships, prompting me to share how Ryner had turned me away, believing me to be weak.
"So, someone dared to reject the princess?" the King remarked.
"But it's of no consequence now. At the party, you'll meet brave men who won't break your heart," my mother added.
I laughed at her optimism. "I'm not ready for a relationship yet. Right now, I want to focus on being with you. Family means more to me than finding a new partner," I said with a gentle smile.
While my feelings for Ryner still lingered, I wasn't ready to meet anyone new. For now, I wanted to immerse myself in my time with my parents, to learn about their lives, their daily routines, and what made them happy or upset.
"It seems like you're jealous," my mother teased the King, who appeared slightly possessive about my attention. Their playful interaction made me smile.
"I don't want anyone else to capture my princess's attention," the King said with a hint of jealousy.
"No need to worry. My focus remains on you both," I reassured them, expressing that they were my priority over any new acquaintances.
I hadn't realized how swiftly the time had passed. I felt that our evening together was too brief, and I regretted missing out on so many years of knowing them.
As the sun began to set, I retired to my room, anticipating either a visit from my mother or Lady Malia. Lady Malia had become a friend, and I was eager to learn more from her. She had promised to help me prepare a meal for my parents the next day, something that would bring them joy and make me even happier.
While I waited alone, a knock at the door brought me back to reality. I opened it to find my mother's smiling face.
"Would you like to come with me?" she asked.
"Yes, I'd love to," I replied, joining her without knowing our destination. Some soldiers accompanied us, a precaution ordered by the King to ensure my safety.
We arrived in the garden, where I was greeted by the sight of vibrant roses and a variety of other flowers. I had always loved tending to plants, a passion I'd carried from my childhood.
"I don't know if you remember, but you used to play in this garden. You'd pick all the red roses and claim they had magical properties," my mother began, recounting a memory I couldn't recall.
The cool breeze rustled the leaves as I watched her. My mother's affection for nature was evident; she was truly enchanting. Even though the King had said I resembled her, I felt I could never match her beauty and grace. It was no wonder my father adored her so deeply.
"I want to know more about you. I understand it might be difficult for you to see me as your mother, since I didn't raise you, but I cherish every moment with you," she said, her voice a mix of warmth and sadness.
I sighed and looked at the darkening sky. "You don't need to feel insecure about the past. I've always wanted to get to know you. You're a gem, Mom. I love you, and I always will."
Her response was a heartfelt embrace, and I could hear her tears. Since my return, she had been emotional, and I regretted not being there for her all these years.
"Look at the sky, Mom. The sun is setting, and soon the moon will be with us," I said, trying to comfort her. Though I wasn't adept at offering solace, I was determined to make her feel better. I couldn't imagine the pain she had endured in my absence, and I felt deeply sorry for it.
As the sun disappeared and darkness began to envelop the sky, I saw this as a metaphor for my own life.
The end of the old me was making way for a new beginning.
There would be moments of reflection on the past, but I was now with my parents, and I promised myself that I would do everything to ensure my mother never felt abandoned again.
I would be with her for the rest of my life.
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Ryner Perry's POV
Weeks had passed since Jolyn disappeared. Day in and day out, I scoured every possible lead, but she remained elusive. There were no signs, no traces of her. I felt a pang of guilt knowing that Damien's family was in distress; he had told me how their mother was incessantly asking for updates.
I found myself standing by the river, watching the leaves drift in the gentle current. "How do I even spread the word about her now?" I murmured to myself. "I've done everything I can, but nothing has worked. If she's meant to return, so be it; if not, there's nothing more I can do." I felt defeated, accepting that perhaps it was time to let go.
I shifted back into my human form and headed home. When I arrived, Damien was waiting for me. I approached him and reverted to my human form.
"I'm truly sorry for your loss. I've searched everywhere, but I couldn't find her. I'm sorry," I said, feeling the weight of my failure.
Damien said nothing in response, his silence heavy with grief. I could sense the depth of his sorrow, and I was at a loss for words. My apologies seemed inadequate, and I knew that nothing I said could change the situation.
"Do you think she's gone for good? Should we accept that she's not coming back?" Damien's voice was laced with pain. It was clear that his world had been overshadowed by the loss of Jolyn, and his family was enveloped in sadness.
I didn't answer; I simply looked at him with sympathy. Words of comfort seemed hollow at this moment.
"Thank you for everything you've done. But we need to come to terms with the fact that she may never return," Damien said, turning away from me.
"I hope she's found peace wherever she is, and that you find some solace as well," he added before walking off. His words left me puzzled. Did he mean for me to understand something different? Why the cryptic message?
Back at my house, I took a long bath, hoping it would clear my mind. Jolyn's presence loomed in my thoughts—her voice, her support, her relentless presence. Did I miss her? No, I couldn't. I'd always seen her as weak. Yet, something felt off.
"I hate her. I hate her more now! Why did she have to do this?" I slammed my fist against the wall, frustration overwhelming me. Memories of her only fueled my anger. I wanted to erase her from my mind, but she had left a mark.
I submerged myself in the water, trying to purge her from my thoughts. I needed to move past her. As I emerged from the bath, I spotted the towel she had given me, embroidered with my name. I grabbed it and tossed it into the trash. Anything that reminded me of her had to go. I wanted no reminders of how she had chosen her fate.
Tomorrow would mark the beginning of my new role as Alpha. My focus needed to be on my future and the respect I would earn. Jolyn's memory would fade as I became more engrossed in my duties.
Dressed and determined, I visited my parents' home, but they were not there. I decided to go to Damien's house. I found them lighting candles in front of Jolyn's picture. Damien's mother was clinging to him, weeping.
I stood there, feeling detached. I wanted to offer my condolences, but I also knew I needed to communicate that Jolyn would not be coming back. They needed to accept that she would remain a part of their memories.
I waited for them to finish their ritual, then took a seat. Damien handed me a glass of water.
"I came to express my sympathy. I'm sorry I couldn't find Jolyn. I wanted to, but it didn't work out. I'm truly sorry for your loss," I said, bowing slightly to convey my sincerity.
Jolyn's mother placed a comforting hand on my back. "It's not your fault. If it was her fate, then we accept it. We know you cared for her, and we're sorry for your loss too. You lost your Luna as well."
Her words struck a chord, and I felt a jolt of guilt. I hadn't loved Jolyn, but hearing her mother's grief made me reconsider my own feelings.
"We've decided to move on. From now on, we won't speak of my sister. We hope she's found happiness wherever she is. For the sake of our pack, we must let go," Damien declared, meeting my gaze with an intensity that made me uneasy. Did he know something he wasn't sharing?
Damien's look suggested there was more to his words. Was there something he knew about Jolyn's whereabouts that he was withholding?