Departure

Serenity firmly pushed her reluctant friend out of her room by her shoulder. Jane, however, continued to protest, her voice filled with urgency, "Listen, honey, I have so much more to say!"

"No, absolutely not, I am not entertaining that any longer."

After that, Serenity pushed her friend away from the room and locked the door behind her, shutting out the persistent sound of Jane's futile knocks. The echoes of her friend's pleas fell on deaf ears. 

The last thing she wanted was to be subjected to another round of nonsensical rambling.

Serenity then slowly made her way into the room. Taking a deep breath, Serenity allowed herself to bask in the returning tranquility and resumed her packing with a calm mind. A melodious hum escaped her lips,

Her gaze drifted to the photograph resting on the shelf, and she reached out for it. In the picture, a happy couple stood- their smiles radiant- while a little girl was present between them- a beacon of joy. They were the epitome of a blissful family.

As her fingertips grazed the surface of the photo, Serenity's hazel eyes softened, brimming with a kaleidoscope of emotions. Her heart swelled, aching with the absence of her parents who had tragically passed away seven years ago. Their lives were taken by a rogue outside the pack's territory. 

After the death of her parents, she was brought up by the rest of the pack members.

While her dad was a werewolf, her mother was a human. Hence, Serenity was born a human. Of course, there were advantages she gained from bearing those few werewolf genes. 

Although her werewolf genes granted her enhanced healing and heightened senses, they paled in comparison to even the weakest werewolves.

But growing up with the werewolves, she never felt left out or inferior. Her upbringing and the nurturing environment had shielded her from such feelings. However, she knew all too well that other packs might not show the same level of acceptance.

No matter what, the void left by her parents could never be filled, and the ache of their absence lingered, an eternal ache that resided deep within her soul. She desperately longed to have them back, to feel their warmth and hear their loving words once again.

Nothing could compare with her family to her.

Battling against the surge of emotions, Serenity gently placed the cherished photograph into her backpack, her touch lingering as if bidding her family farewell once again. After checking it once again and being satisfied with her preparations, she zipped up the bag, sealing her memories and aspirations within its confines.

She was departing for Silverclaw Pack tomorrow, stepping into an uncertain future. As the hour drew nearer, an unsettling hollowness tugged at her heart, a poignant reminder of the life she was leaving behind. 

This place, where she had spent the majority of her life, was now a chapter left behind.

The faces of her pack members flashed through her mind- their adoration and love imprinted upon her memories. The thought of bidding them farewell, even temporarily, tugged at her heartstrings, and she couldn't help but acknowledge the void that their absence would create in her life.

Despite her outward confidence and excitement, there was growing fear within her. Leaving the familiar and embracing the new filled her with trepidation.

As she stood in her room, the weight of her emotions settled upon her shoulders.

°°°

Tear-filled hugs, warm words of concern, and heartfelt goodbyes enveloped the room as Serenity prepared to leave the pack house. Emotions ran high, surprising her with their intensity. 

The weight of her decision to depart had never felt so heavy, and as she gathered her belongings, the eyes of her packmates lingered on her back, their gazes filled with a mix of sadness and support. Serenity turned to face them, her heart aching with gratitude for their love and understanding.

The air crackled with unspoken sentiments, and it was as if the energy in the room refused to dissipate. Tear-streaked faces mirrored her own emotions, and she longed to ease their worries.

As she walked, Serenity took a deep breath, trying to steady her trembling emotions. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that leaving the pack would be this difficult. It felt like a piece of her heart was being torn away, left behind with the pack as she stepped into the unknown.

"Don't forget to call me at least ten times a day!" Jane's voice rang out above the others, her plea laced with a hint of playful concern.

Serenity's lips curved into a gentle smile as her eyes met Jane's. She nodded, assuring her that their bond would remain strong despite the distance.

Paul, the Alpha's son, stepped forward, and concern was etched on his face. Serenity appreciated his offer when he asked, "Do you want me to take you there?"

She shook her head gently, declining his offer. The journey ahead was something she needed to face alone, to prove to herself and others that she could take care of herself, even outside the safety and familiarity of the pack. 

"I can drive myself there," Serenity replied softly, her voice laced with determination, as she waved up the car keys.

Paul placed a comforting hand on her shoulder-his touch warm and reassuring. He patted her gently, a silent gesture of support. His presence provided a fleeting sense of solace in this bittersweet moment of departure.

"Take care," he murmured- his voice a mere whisper and his words carrying the weight of the pack's hopes and prayers for her well-being.

Serenity met his gaze- her eyes shining with unshed tears- and whispered her response, "I will."

With that, Serenity entered the car. She knew that the more time she delayed, the more reluctant she will be to leave. That's why, she hardened her heart and got inside the car, starting the vehicle next.

Serenity couldn't resist taking one last lingering look at the place that had been her sanctuary for so long. The familiar surroundings, the comforting scent of the woods, and the echoing howls that had once filled her heart with a sense of belonging will forever remain imprinted in her mind.

A single trail of tear escaped from her eyes.

She immediately wiped it away with the back of her hand.

"What's wrong with you, Serenity? You're not the emotional type," she voiced out.