I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 28

**Chapter 28**

**ARIA**

It dawned on me, quite unexpectedly, that I had developed feelings for Kael. It was a subtle shift, one that crept in quietly between our mindlink conversations, the shared vulnerabilities, and the way he had made me feel important. It wasn’t the all-consuming, desperate love that had once consumed me with Damon; rather, it was something softer, gentler. It felt less like being dragged under by turbulent waves and more like the comforting embrace of learning to swim.

Perhaps this was a better path. Perhaps love that blossomed gradually, nurtured by mutual respect and a common purpose, was far more sustainable than the fiery obsession that had nearly obliterated me.

We lingered by the spring falls for what felt like an eternity, the laughter of children filling the air as I half-listened, my thoughts drifting like leaves on the breeze. The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the water, transforming the landscape into a picturesque scene. It was serene here, a sanctuary for reflection, healing, and a space to contemplate who I truly wanted to become.

Eventually, two older wolves from the patrol approached us, their presence commanding yet gentle. Their expressions softened upon noticing me, their future Luna, surrounded by the innocent joy of children.

“Luna Aria,” one of them greeted with a respectful nod, his voice warm. “Beta Nina has been searching for you. She wishes to discuss the preparations for the ceremony.”

Ah, the ceremony. Just two days away, and I had yet to even glance at the final arrangements. I had been too entangled in my own emotional turmoil to attend to such practical matters.

“I’ll head back shortly,” I assured him. Turning to the children, I added, “Alright, little ones, it’s time to return. Your parents will be anxious if you’re out too late.”

They grumbled in protest, but eventually complied, descending from the rock with varying degrees of grace. As we walked back through the forest, Lily clasped my hand, swinging our arms together and humming a tune that was unfamiliar to me.

“Luna Aria?” she inquired as we approached the pack settlement. “May I ask you something else?”

“Of course,” I replied, my heart swelling with affection for her innocence.

“Do you think the bad man will come back? Will he try to take you away again?”

Her question sent a jolt of anxiety through me. I hadn’t confronted that fear directly, but deep down, I knew there was a significant chance that Damon would make another attempt. His desperation had been palpable; I could sense it.

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. “But if he does, Alpha Kael and the pack will protect me. I will protect myself too. I’m not going anywhere, Lily. This is my home now.”

Her smile radiated trust, a light that almost shattered my heart. “Good. Because we need you here. You’re our Luna.”

As we reached the settlement, twilight draped its cloak over the land, the pack house glowing with inviting warmth. I dropped the children off with their families, receiving grateful smiles and words of appreciation from parents who seemed relieved that their future Luna had spent time with the youngest members of the pack.

Nina spotted me as I made my way toward my temporary quarters, her expression a mix of relief and concern.

“There you are! I was beginning to worry,” she said, her gaze assessing my flushed cheeks. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I replied automatically, but the truth was more complicated. “No, I’m not fine. But I will be.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked gently, her eyes reflecting concern and understanding.

I contemplated the chaotic storm of emotions swirling within me. Grief, anger, guilt, fear, and a flicker of hope all tangled together in a knot I couldn’t seem to unravel.

“Not yet,” I confessed. “But thank you. For everything. For your patience while I sort through this.”

Nina squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. “That’s what family does, Aria. You’re family now, and we take care of one another.”

Family. The concept felt both inviting and daunting. The notion of belonging to something larger than myself was still foreign, a fragile idea that seemed like it could crumble under scrutiny.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify