Chapter 111

The main ceremonial hall was packed to the brim. Every single pack alpha, beta, and elder had turned out, filling the massive room with murmur of chatter.As Kaelven and I stepped up to the elevated podium at the front of the hall, the crowd slowly quieted down, I adjusted the ceremonial silks around our daughter, keeping her secure against me."Thank you all for coming to our daughter's one month ceremony," Kaelven's voice rang out steady and commanding across the hall."We are deeply grateful to have the whole kingdom bear witness to her first milestone." Stepping forward from the front row, Elder Duke, the oldest and most respected sage of the territory slowly mounted the steps toward us. His weathered hands carried a silver cup filled with shimmering, blessed spring water infused with sacred herbs."May the ancestors watch over this child, guide her steps, and anchor her spirit to the strength of this land," Elder Duke said, as cheer erupted among the crowd."He gently dipped

Chapter 112

Back in the private sitting room of the palace, the doors barely clicked shut before Garrick turned on our father. "Father, you should apologize to Vanya, you went way too far today." "I am not apologizing unless she comes back home." "Father, just don't waste your breath, because I am not coming back home." "Vanya, you are going to regret not listening to me," our father yelled, pointing a finger straight at my chest. "You want to marry him, right? Isn't that what you always wanted? Fine, When your uncle arrives in a week, I will prepare the wedding celebration with him, but remember this: when things go wrong later and he breaks your heart, do not come crawling back to me begging for help." "I won't, Father, don't worry, even if Kaelven breaks my heart later, I would rather live as a free woman and be happy than ever crawl back to you or trade my happiness for your control." "It is settled then, garrick, let's go," our father said, turning on his heel and storming out of the

Chapter 113

"You are seriously moving back into that estate?" Maya asked, holding a stack of my clothes as she watched me toss clothes into my bag. "If I don't, who knows who my father will send next, elite guards or even the Goddess herself," I said, tossing a dress into my bag. "So to avoid unnecessary explanations, I would rather go, but it is just temporary, I am not the same Vanya who said yes to every single word he uttered, I am only going there to keep the peace." "I understand, Vanya, I really do," Maya sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "I used to do that all the time back when my dad was alive, when he complained about me chewing too loudly or eating unhealthy meals when he was around, I just sat there quietly and ate whatever his definition of healthy was." "Bingo," I said, zipping my bag shut. "Now come on and help me carry Rain." An hour later, the gates of the estate slides open, the moment we walked inside, my father marched down the staircase. "What are you doing bac

Chapter 114

I stepped out of the corridor, clutching my mother's portrait tight against my chest, The photograph pressed directly over my racing heart.Maya rushed out of the hallway, stopping mid-step as her eyes locked onto my tears stained face."Vanya, what's wrong? Why are you crying like this?" Maya asked, taking a quick step forward, her hands hovering in the air. "Did something happen upstairs?""I'm fine, Maya," I muttered, as I tried to step past her down the staircase."You don't look fine, Vanya, your whole face is soaked," Maya pressed, reaching out to catch my arm. "Talk to me.""I said am fine, just leave it," I said, pulling away and descending downstairs.The moment my feet hit the ground of the main living room, my father emerged from his study, he stopped dead at the bottom of the steps, his gaze darting from my tear stained cheeks to the portrait clutched in my arms.Before I could walk past him, he turned to Maya, his hand reaching out to gently put Rain on Maya's arms."M

Chapter 115

The door of the living room swung wide open, as a tall handsome man stepped inside."Uncle." I screamed, breaking away from the group and rushing forward to throw my arms around his neck, burying my face against his shoulder. "I missed you so much, Where have you even been?"He chuckled, wrapping his arms securely around my waist and lifting me slightly off my feet before setting me back down on the ground."Goodness, Vanya, if you squeeze any harder, you will snap my ribs, I was handling some pack business down in the southern territory, why is everyone looking at me like someone died? Why all the crying?"I pulled back, wiping a tear from my cheek with the back of my hand. "Father was just telling us some things that happened back in the days, But honestly, Uncle, I got a question that's been bugging me for years.""What is it, my baby girl? Ask away.""You know, I don't quite understand how come we call you Uncle instead of cousin, my father is your uncle, right? But the age gap

Chapter 116

"You look so stunning, Vanya, Damn, this is the most beautiful ceremony gown I have ever seen, garrick totally outdid himself on this one.""Yes, Maya, I really love it, I still can't believe I am actually going to be a bride.""Point of correction, Vanya, not just a bride, a Lycan bride."The door swung open, and Theo rushed inside. "Aunt Vanya, wow, you are shining.""Oh, Theo, am I? Thanks for the compliment, you look quite handsome in your outfit too."Garrick stepped into the doorway behind him, adjusting his shirt. "Of course he does, I am the one who dressed him."Garrick walked further into the room, holding up a box. "Now, for your jewelry."Maya reached out, taking the antique pieces from the box and fastening the necklace around my neck."Mama, it's beautiful, I love it, Thanks, I hope you are watching from above," I muttered, pressing my fingers against the pendent.A loud shout echoed from the corridor outside. "Bring out the bride, oooh..."Maya draped the heavy gol