Chapter 9
When I finally left the training facility, a full decade had passed.
For ten long years, I devoted myself completely to researching ways to heal wounded Wolf Souls. I eventually developed a new soul therapy–a breakthrough that could mend Wolf Souls on the brink of collapse, whether from mate rejection or loss.
At the Pack Healer Conference, I presented my findings to the world. Countless werewolves in the audience who had endured
the same pain wept with relief and joy.
That day marked exactly a decade since I had been publicly rejected. A decade since my soul had nearly shattered. It was as if
time had come full circle–only now, I was no longer the helpless woman I once was.
I had healed myself with my own hands and given others like me a new hope for salvation.
I accepted congratulations from my peers and answered questions from the press.
Suddenly, my eyes met two pairs of familiar ones.
Across the crowded hall, I saw Damian and Ethan standing in the distance. After a decade, time hadn’t changed them much.
They were still the revered Alpha and Beta of the Pack.
Yet, I could see it–a trace of exhaustion and sorrow in Damian’s eyes that hadn’t been there before. I could also see deep
regret painted on Ethan’s once calm and steady expression.
It felt like a lifetime since our eyes had once met. They tried to smile at me, but their smiles looked more painful than tears.
Even after ten years, they only had the guts to watch me from afar, never taking a step closer. I returned their gaze with a
calm smile.
The decade didn’t erase my pain or resentment, but it was enough to make me truly free myself. I no longer needed them in
my world.
After the conference, I left with Skylar and my peers.
Suddenly, a hoarse voice called from behind, “Sera…Seraphina…”
How long had it been since I had heard him call my name like that?
I couldn’t remember.
Leo gently patted my shoulder. “I’ll wait for you outside.”
I nodded.
I turned around. I saw Damian and Ethan hurrying toward me, but stopping two steps away, as if they didn’t dare come any
closer.
