The shaman fell silent for a long mont instead of answering right away.
She studied Voren with those ancient eyes of hers, as if she could see far beyond the walls of the room and straight into the heart of whatever future lay ahead.
"Do you truly want to restore the mate bond?" Her voice stayed calm, but there was sothing deeper and heavier hidden beneath the surface. "Things may not unfold the way you expect."
Voren’s jaw tightened, his hands slowly curling into fists at his sides as he held her gaze without flinching. "What I started," he answered with firm resolve, "I will finish."
The shaman watched him for another beat before giving a small nod. "You are determined." A faint smile curled the corner of her lips. "The Blood Moon Festival must be held after the next full moon. Between now and then, I need to isolate myself and prepare for what is coming."
Voren frowned, the way she spoke making it feel like sothing much bigger and more serious than just a ceremony was on the horizon. He drew in a slow breath.
"I’m not afraid of whatever’s ahead," he admitted, "but I’d appreciate so kind of warning." His eyes narrowed slightly. "What exactly is coming?"
The shaman’s smile widened, but it was that sa mysterious kind that gave answers without really giving any at all. "This is all I am permitted to say." Her gaze softened unexpectedly. "But I like the woman you have chosen."
Voren’s expression eased a little at that. The old woman continued, her voice warm with quiet wisdom. "If you wish to keep her, make sure she is always happy."
Her eyes sparkled with knowing insight. "If you do that, she will stand beside you when darkness cos. Together, your light will shine brighter than either of you could alone."
Voren didn’t find her words strange at all. In fact, they lined up perfectly with what he already planned to do. Making Seraphine happy wasn’t so chore or burden. It was sothing he genuinely wanted more than anything.
He wanted to give her everything she’d ever been denied, to surround her with so much love, comfort, and happiness that the old pain she’d carried for years finally faded away. He wanted her smiling so often that it beca her natural state, and if possible, he wanted to make her the envy of the entire world.
A small, determined smile appeared on his face just thinking about it.
The shaman slowly turned around. "I shall take my leave now." She glanced over at the sleeping Seraphine. "When she wakes up, thank her for the food on my behalf."
Then her expression grew serious again. "In twelve hours, soak her in water, dry her body thoroughly, and change her clothes." She pointed toward Seraphine with gentle emphasis. "And rember to keep a close eye on her."
Voren gave a single, firm nod. "I will."
Satisfied, the shaman walked toward the door. Her movents were so light and effortless that she almost seed to float rather than walk. By the ti the door closed softly behind her, it felt as though she had never been there at all. Only the faint, lingering mory of her knowing smile stayed with Voren.
What she hadn’t revealed was that Seraphine’s appearance had finally solved a mystery that had lingered unanswered for many years. But that truth wasn’t ant to co out today. Everything would be revealed during the Blood Moon Festival.
Once she was gone, Voren pulled out his phone and called Ravyn. The call connected almost imdiately. "Voren," Ravyn said, sounding relieved. "Are you back at the pack already? Should I co over?"
Voren nearly rolled his eyes. "There’s no need," he replied calmly. "I have an appointnt in the city. I’m already heading back."
On the other end, Ravyn opened his mouth to argue, but Voren knew him too well. Before Ravyn could get a single word out, he continued smoothly.
"Add this to the schedule. Announce that the Blood Moon Festival will be held one month after the Full Moon Festival." His fingers moved across the phone screen. "I’m also sending the paynt to cover my family’s attendance."
The transfer went through instantly. Without giving Ravyn another chance to object, Voren ended the call. A few seconds later, his phone rang again. Ravyn.
Voren answered, as Ravyn’s breathless voice sounded at the end of the line. "Voren, the amount you sent is way too much," he said, confusion clear in his voice. "Besides Jasmine and Kael, who else is coming with you?"
Voren leaned back in his chair. "Don’t worry about it. That paynt covers my entire family." Before Ravyn could ask anything else, the line went dead.
A mont later, the phone started ringing again. Voren glanced at the screen and ignored it. It continued ringing so he ended the call before he typed a quick ssage. ’Busy. Let’s talk later.’ After sending it, he put the phone away completely.
Peace at last. The silence inside the room felt deeply comforting. His attention drifted back to Seraphine. She was still fast asleep, her breathing soft and steady.
For a few long monts, Voren simply watched her, a quiet warmth settling in his chest. Even now, after everything they’d been through, there were still tis he could hardly believe she was truly his.
He reached over and gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face, his expression softening with tenderness. Then he set an alarm for twelve hours later and placed the phone on the nearby table.
Carefully, he slipped into bed beside her. The mont he wrapped an arm around her waist, a profound sense of peace washed over him.
Seraphine instinctively moved closer in her sleep, and the small action made the corners of his lips lift in a content smile. He pulled her gently against his chest.
For once, there were no responsibilities demanding his attention, no pack matters, no etings, no threats, no endless problems waiting to be solved.
Just Seraphine, just them. His eyes slowly closed, and sleep ca so naturally that it almost felt unfamiliar. Usually his mind refused to rest, always sothing keeping him wired and awake. But beside her, everything felt quiet, and right.
Voren had no idea how much ti had passed. One mont he was asleep, and the next, a powerful force slamd into him.
His eyes flew open as the impact nearly sent him crashing off the bed. At that exact mont, the alarm began blaring.
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