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Chapter 09: Don't Cry, Sophia!

Jamal becomes visibly angry, a clear expression of discontent on his face. However, no one can quite understand the exact reason behind his intense reaction. The room falls into an uncomfortable silence as everyone awaits Jamal's explanation.

"My grandson dear, what's wrong?" Rose asks, noting the tension hanging in the air.

Jamal takes a deep breath, trying to mask his anger under a veil of calmness.

"It's nothing, Granny. Just... I was surprised by the news. But it's okay."

"Then come join us, the pie is delicious," Ana calls to her son, who complies with slow steps. As he settles in, Selene captures his attention:

"Jamal, this is Lyall, the father of my child. I've decided to leave with him because I believe my child will be happier if raised with his father." Selene's expression lightens, and a rare smile graces her face.

"I'm glad you've found the father of your child, but I think you're being hasty. You barely know him, you've only had one night with him, and now he suddenly shows up, and you're just leaving? And everything we've been through here, does it not matter? We Opened our doors to you, Selene." Jamal speaks with a tone of indignation.

"I know. And I am very grateful to all of you for this... Grandma Rose and Mrs. Ana are well aware of this. Besides, my intention, with all due respect, was never to stay here forever."

"Ah, I get it! You were going to exploit us as much as you could and then leave like the ungrateful person you are." Jamal continues his childish irritation.

"What did you say?" Selene looks at his friend visibly confused.

"That's exactly what you heard."

Selene, Lyall, and the others exchange puzzled glances, sensing that there's something deeper to be revealed. Rose, with her keen intuition, realizes that something isn't right and takes her grandson aside.

"Jamal, you're acting strangely," says Rose, firmness in her voice.

"I know when something is bothering my grandchildren. Now, tell me, what's the real reason behind this entirely childish behavior?"

Jamal seems to hesitate for a moment, as if debating internally whether to tell the truth or not. Finally, he gives in, letting out a resigned sigh.

"Granny, it's not fair. Selene... she deserves more than this. She deserves someone who truly makes her happy, someone who won't hurt her like I know I will," the young werewolfsays, his voice laden with frustration and self-loathing.

Rose looks at Jamal with affection.

"My dear, you're in love with her."

Jamal's eyes widen momentarily before he lowers his gaze, confirming what Rose had said.

"Yes, I am. And then comes this... Lyall, and takes Selene away. She deserves someone better, someone who truly loves her."

Rose places her hand on Jamal's shoulder with tenderness.

"Jamal, the heart is a complicated place. Sometimes, our feelings don't follow logic. What matters is what Selene feels and what makes her happy. You, as a good friend, should support her decision, even if it hurts."

At this moment, Lyall decides to intervene, approaching Jamal with a calm and respectful look.

"Jamal, I am not only the father of the child Selene is expecting, but also the Lycan king. I have more than enough capability to take care of both. I understand your feelings and concerns. I want you to know that my only wish is to make Selene happy and to protect her and our child."

Jamal looks at Lyall, surprised by his gentle approach. He nods slowly, pretending to acknowledge the sincerity in the Lycan king's words.

" I'll try," Jamal murmurs, knowing he would never accept such a situation. A man in love and rejected is capable of the most absurd things, but for now, he decides to leave things as they are, returning to the table with Lyall and Rose, observing the exchange of glances between Selene and Lyall, feeling the taste of envy and jealousy taking over him, but having to restrain himself. His thoughts were racing, and the main one was:

"Selene, you will still be mine."

After a while, the moment of farewell approaches. Selene, now more confident and determined, walks up to each member of the Moon Village, hugging them with genuine affection and expressing her gratitude for the time she spent there. Even though it was brief, it was meaningful.

Finally, she turns to Sophia, who is already crying, her tears reflecting the sadness of that farewell. Selene kneels down to the little girl's height and embraces her.

"Don't cry, little Sophia. I promise I'll come back to visit you whenever I can. Our friendship is special and won't end just because I'm leaving."

Sophia sobs, holding onto Selene.

"But I'm going to miss you."

Selene smiles tenderly, wiping Sophia's tears with her thumb.

"And I'm going to miss you too, my dear. But remember, you're strong and brave, just like your grandmother and your mother. You'll be strong until I come back."

Sophia looks up, His brown eyes meet Selene's amber eyes.

"Do you really promise to come back?"

Selene nods firmly.

"I promise, Sophia. And until then, you'll take care of your grandmother your mother and Jamal, right?"

Sophia wipes her tears and agrees with a small nod of her head.

"Right."

Lyall approaches at this moment, placing a comforting hand on girl shoulder.

"Sophia, don't be sad. Selene will come back to see you soon."

the girl looks at Lyall, her eyes welling up with tears, but a small smile appearing on her lips.

"Will you come back too?"

Lyall looks at her with kindness.

"Of course, I'll visit you all whenever Selene comes."

Sophia hugs Selene once again, letting out a sob.

"I'll miss you."

Selene strokes Sophia's hair.

"I will miss you too, my sweet. But this isn't a goodbye, it's a see you later. Now, I'll keep this memory of you smiling in my heart."

Reluctantly, Sophia pulls away and smiles shyly.

"See you later, Selene."

The beautiful she-wolf kisses Sophia's forehead and stands up, facing the next stage of her journey. With a final wave and a heart full of emotions, she walks away, knowing that the memories and bonds formed in the Village of the Moon would stay with her, inspiring her to move forward.

Already distant from the village and almost out of the forest, Lyall turns to Selene.

“ Are you ready to meet your new home?”

“ I think so!”

Lyall was concerned, to what extent was his heart scarred, to what extent would Selene's past hinder the future? The Lycan king still didn't have those answers, but he was determined to assist his beloved in whatever way possible. A few more minutes of walking and they soon encountered Ethan and Petros, waiting with a luxury car for them. Selene looked around with curiosity.

"Selene, these are... Petros, my ally from the Lupine Dawn pack, and Ethan, my friend and advisor, whom you already know.". Gentlemen, this is Selene, my future wife."

"It's an honor to meet you, future queen Selene. Allow me to say that your beauty is worthy of a goddess," Petros bows before Selene.

"Please, don't do that. Just call me by my name, Selene. And thank you for the compliment, Mr. Petros," Selene responds shyly. At the same time, Ethan eyes the woman he just reunite. Seeing that his friend was still frozen, Lyall gives Ethan a slight push on the shoulder, prompting him to finally speak up.

"Pleasure reveals. Oh, future queen!" he awkwardly bows as much as he can.

"Was that sarcasm? How amusing! You might not be comfortable with my presence, sir, believe me, I'm not comfortable with yours either. But let's maintain a minimum level of respect, shall we?" Selene gazes at Ethan with a stern expression, while the king's advisor becomes embarrassed

"Shall we go now, Ethan?" Lyall inquires of his friend.

"Of course, Your Majesty!" Ethan responds seriously, while Petros tries to hide his laughter, though he stops when the adviso glares with red eyes and a growl, displaying his fangs.

"Thank you for everything, Petros. I rely on you to keep me well-informed about Ian and Kailel's movements." Lyall tightens his ally's hand.

"You can count on me. Now go, because Ian has placed werewolves everywhere, they are still searching for Selene." Lyall nods and gets into the car, where Selene was already seated in the back seat, and Ethan would be the driver as he was already in position for it.

"And where are we heading to?"

"To the Lycans' original city, Sirion."

"Sirion!" Selene whispers, her thoughts racing, feeling a flutter in her stomach, perhaps due to the nervousness of that moment. Her life was about to change, and full of expectations, she allowed herself to smile while her hand caressed her belly.

"It's for you, my baby"

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