Chapter 10

Aurora’s POV

Her words were so well placed, sounding inoffensive at the first sound of it, but anyone with an ear of understanding context would know what she was trying to do.

“I have a tight work schedule,” I replied simply, not even bothering with a defense.

Alaric cleared his throat, and I turned my gaze towards him.

“Seraphina is right, Aurora. Your main duty is here at home, not in the clinic. You can easily take a few days off,” He stated like it was nothing. It wasn't a suggestion, I could see it in his eyes and posture. It was a demand.

“I cannot simply take off work that easily,” I responded, keeping my tone as curt and unemotional as possible. “Besides, Seraphina has it well in hand here, don't you?’ I glanced at her, the question making her blink in surprise.

“I… um , well, yes,” she stammered a little, clearly having not expected I would turn things around on her. I could see the calculation springing up in her eyes, like she had just encountered something unexpected. Perhaps she wanted me to fight, to rage, to push  her away, and to accuse her of sidelining me, the actual lady of the house, but I was content to let her play the games she wanted to play, all by her own damn self.

“Exactly,” I smiled though it didn't reach my eyes, and I glanced at Alaric who looked displeased. He stood, the chair scraping on the ground with a loud sound, and he stormed off. I chuckled and picked up my bag, walking out while waving at Asher and Seraphina.

“Take care,” I said, turning to leave.

As I turned, my smile faded, and I continued to walk out of the house.

Suddenly an arm grasped mine and tugged me to the side. Alaric.

His eyes burned with displeasure, with something I hadn't seen in them for a long time - guilt.

“Alaric, what’s the matter?” I asked, pulling my arm back. His grip tightened and I found it hard to move. I winced internally, but refused to show any emotion.

“What’s wrong with you?” He demanded.

“Nothing,” I replied just as easily. It was becoming strangely easy to do such things. He certainly wouldn't care if i tried to explain, whether it was the dark magic or it was simply him not caring, i had no idea.

He growled then, tugging me close to him, towering over me. His scent was just as intense as before, filling my nostrils with bergamot, sandalwood and his very unique musk that should have made my stomach do flips. It didn't.

“Aurora,” his tone was tight with the sound of remorse. “Is this because of our argument yesterday? If I apologize, would you let things go?”

I blinked, my lips parting to speak but I found myself speechless.

Alaric, the same Alpha who never apologized, was asking to apologize now?

I searched his eyes, finding not a trace of the dark aura. My mind jolted. How had that happened? Was it because I had used my Luna powers last night? Was that one action capable of doing so much damage to Serapina?

But then i processed his words, and my bitterness surged.

I stepped back, keeping my voice even.

“There’s nothing for you to apologize for, Alaric. Asher is our son, and you were simply worried about him. I do not hold any resentment, or anger.”

In fact, I thought, I didn't feel much of anything.

I knew that Seraphina must still have a hold on him, and even if she didnt, i still didnt want to take any chances. I had only taken one step to clearing the darkness in this house.

My words hit him like a freight train and his grip loosened, I took the opportunity to remove my arm and take a couple steps back.

“I have to go to work, Alaric,” I stated. “If there’s nothing else urgent, then I'll be on my way.”

I turned only to hear his voice once more.

“Wait.” I paused at that and turned back. “The full moon festival is tomorrow. You have a lot to prepare, especially with hosting.”

I nodded, thinking privately that this was certainly something that he couldn’t have Seraphina do and that was why he wanted me to do it.

It was only a full moon festival, and it would be the last one I would host as Luna of the pack.

20 days to go, I recited in my head. 20 days until the divorce was finalized.

By the time I got to the clinic, I had pushed those thoughts out of my head and I settled into my ward rounds and checked patient documentation pretty fast.

I met up with Lyra during lunch, and she handed me a cup of coffee with one hand while speaking.

“Elder Miriam wishes to see you tonight. It seems important,” she said by way of greeting.

See me?

The last time, Elder Miriam had instructed me to take a few days to continue my mental training while she got things ready. Though she hadn't told me exactly what she was getting ready for, I trusted it was something important.

The day passed by in small batches of work followed by a few minutes of rest time. By the time we were done with our shifts, it was already dark outside. I left the clinic with Lyra by my side, as she would accompany me to see Elder Miriam again.

As we walked, she talked about everything and nothing at the same ime. I knew it was her trying to distract me, we had known each other long enough for me to understand that. She didn't want me to worry or feel the burden that had been placed upon me. Trouble is, she couldn't help me carry it. It was mine alone.

As soon as I stepped into Elder Miriam’s home, I felt a strange weight in the air, and glanced around.

“You have noticed,” Elder Miriam stepped forward, approval shining in her gaze. “Good, you’re learning.”

…