Share

Departure

Author: Shin Sungmi
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

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.

Related chapters

  • Alpha Kieran    Mountain trail

    As the sun began its descent beyond the jagged horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged mountain peaks, Serenity found herself maneuvering her car along the mountain trail. The winding path, snaking through dense forests, brought up an otherworldly atmosphere, tinged with a palpable sense of mystery and unease.The fading light saturated the surroundings with a captivating palette of deep purple and fiery orange, creating an eerie ambiance that had her be on guard. The somber hues painted the forest in an eerie glow, illuminating the gnarled trees as their shadows stretched menacingly across the narrow trail.As she drove her car on the narrow road, the woman's heart quickened with a mix of trepidation and other inexplicable emotions. Her hands tightly gripped the steering wheel- her knuckles turning white as she navigated further into the forest that only grew darker.No matter how she tried to dismiss the lingering unease that danced upon her skin, Serenity couldn't escape th

  • Alpha Kieran    Silverclaw Pack

    Bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of the twilight sky, a figure stood before Serenity, his presence arresting and impossible to ignore. Serenity estimated his height to be over 6'5"- his stature towering over hers, emphasizing his dominance.Tousled locks of dark hair cascaded with an untamed grace, teasing the edges of his strong jawline and grazing his broad shoulders. It was as if each rebellious strand of hair mirrored the wild spirit that coursed through his veins.It was his eyes-a striking shade of steely blue-that held her captive. They were like twin mirrors reflecting the intensity of a tempest brewing within, giving a glimpse into the enigma that lay beneath the surface.As his piercing gaze fell upon her, an electric current seemed to surge through the air. Like a predator stalking its prey, it was as though he possessed the ability to delve into the very depths of her soul.He commanded attention, exuding both danger and seduction in equal measure.Serenity's breath hitch

  • Alpha Kieran    The Alpha

    Richard knocked on the door a couple of times before he received the permission to enter. He pushed the door open gently before indicating her to step in.Feeling the tension emanating from the inside of the room, all the flux of courage she had earlier depleted at an increasing rate, and her eyes fell on Richard, silently begging him to join her in.Although both of them were strangers to her, Serenity always had a strong intuition she trusted well and had goosebumps at the thought of seeing the Alpha of Silverclaw Pack alone.She blamed Jane for poisoning her ears.Instead of comforting her when he sensed her palpable nervousness, he placed his hand on her shoulder and pushed her in before closing the door behind her.Serenity stumbled a step before she raised her head to look at the Alpha.Her breath was caught stuck in her throat.It was the menacing yet handsome man from earlier.His gray blue eyes intently stared at her, almost paralyzing her. He leaned against the chair in a re

  • Alpha Kieran    A Human

    "...What a weirdo! Speaking of manners, he doesn't have any manners himself. No, I am a doctor. Is it that easy being a doctor? Shouldn't he respect them? That psychopath. No wonder no one likes him."The feminine voice resonated from the microphone, slicing through the silence like a razor. In the monitor, the back of the woman could be seen as she angrily stomped her feet on the ground."Even for an Alpha, don't you think it is a little too lowly to spy on a woman's bedroom," commented Richard Black as he leaned against the wall. There was a slight hint of amusement in his eyes.The steely blue eyes were raised from the computer screen. Dissatisfaction was clearly written in them, casting an air of palpable tension across the room."I wouldn't be forced to do something so bothersome if you weren't adamant of having her as the pack's doctor," the Alpha expressed, furrowing his eyebrows."She was right, you know. No one with actual skills, other than her, applied for our pack," Richar

  • Alpha Kieran    Brazen Act

    Was this how animals in the zoos felt like?Serenity questioned in her mind in response to the scrutinizing gazes on her. The intensity of the gazes seemed to cast her as a novel specimen, subjected to the keen examination of curious scientists embarking on a discovery of the unfamiliar.A discomfort akin to being dissected under the analytical gaze of inquisitive minds settled within her.The only man out of the three cooks couldn't conceal his astonishment, blurting out, "It is really a human. This is the first time I have seen one."That almost made Serenity's jaw drop. It was fair to say that humans were more common in the outside world than werewolves. Humans can be found in almost every corner of the world. How sheltered and ignorant do you have to be in order to have never seen a human?That should never be the case unless the werewolves weren't allowed to leave their packs.However, that's absolutely nonsensical because the pack's territory could only encompass so much, and

  • Alpha Kieran    Need Help

    The thick and suffocating atmosphere in the room seemed to disperse momentarily when Richard's hand landed on the Alpha's shoulder.A flicker of amusement danced in Richard's eyes as he patted Kieran's right shoulder, trying to ease the palpable strain."Now, if you keep staring at it so intently, you are going to poke a hole through it," Richard quipped. Observing Kieran's stoic demeanor, he pressed on, "I am starving just like the rest of the pack. Where is the Alpha Kieran who values time? You are not going to mull over a woman's words, are you?"Kieran's intense glare focused on Richard as he forcibly slapped away Beta's hand, pushing off the jug in his grasp. The atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension as he declared, "You are just as obnoxious as her."The smile on Richard's face deepened, and he corrected, "I would call that having a personality. Wasn't she cute?"Unfazed by his Beta's banter, Kieran withdrew into himself, tucking his hands into his pant's pockets. He walked

  • Alpha Kieran    Near Death Experience

    Janice finally remembered what she was here for.The woman assumed a stern countenance and cleared her throat before vocalizing, "Look at you wasting my time. I am here for some modifications.""Modifications?" Serenity repeated, confused. "Are you going to fix up this infirmary?"Serenity stared at the woman from top to bottom. Well, the redhead appeared to be strong although not right in the brain.That fired Janice up, and she raised her voice. "What the fuck do you mean by that?! Do I look like a mere servant here? Are you a fool or what?!"She didn't look the part for sure.Serenity gave an apologetic smile. "It was my mistake. As a human, I was taught that all jobs are the same and shouldn't be looked down upon. Werewolves have a different system going around, it seems.""Obviously, I am superior to these mere servants. I am the vice-commander of the pack. It should be an honor of a measly human like you to meet me." Janice snorted arrogantly.Serenity didn't want to deal with h

  • Alpha Kieran    Curse

    His eyes took in each of her smallest moves and changes in expression.Her breathing shortened as she raised her hand to touch her neck lightly. She pulled her lip into a thin line before resuming her original smile."Well, humans need a variety of experiences in their life to make it colorful. And you saved me. It almost made my heart flutter," Serenity commented. She thought that she was becoming a professional at pleasing her boss."You are lucky that the pack needs a doctor or else I would have been the first one to get rid of you," Kieran threatened.Serenity nodded.One thing Serenity had been really good at from a young age was observing people and knowing their emotions. Although the Alpha was good at managing his emotions, she could still make a faint idea of how his character was.Earlier, he had gotten really mad at that woman for hurting her and let her hide behind him. Even his voice that sounded so cold and rough earlier softened slightly now.He must not be completely l

Latest chapter

  • Alpha Kieran    Next Plan

    Serenity was choosing clothes for herself when the men’s section fell into her eyes, and the corner of her eyes curved up. The hazel eyes glistened with playfulness as they stared at the Alpha. Seeing how Serenity was staring at him from head to toe, Kieran felt the feeling of being looked at by a predator, and he shook his head at the ridiculous idea.As Kieran raised one of his eyebrows questioningly, Serenity generously replied, “Alpha, I noticed that your closet is pretty monotonous. Why don’t I buy some clothes for you as appreciation?”Kieran was quick to reject the idea. “There is no need for that.”“Come on, Alpha. Your pack pays me a hefty salary, and I saved a lot during my time in the pack. I can spend a little on you.”Before Kieran was able to turn her down again, she grabbed his hand and pulled him along.Staring at the vibrant expression on his mate’s face, Kieran sighed and decid

  • Alpha Kieran    Shop

    Kieran did not immediately start the story. The two of them reached on the peak of one of the smaller mountains. The darkness in the sky started to fade away slightly, showing the signs of emerging dusk. Both of them found a stone to sit down upon. Serenity raised her head to stare at the sky, finding a sense of tranquility in it.“When my mother was out of the pack for business, she found her mate, my father. He was a human and did not know anything about the werewolves. He was happily in a relationship with his lover. My mother learns of this and was angered. She was a very possessive and proud wolf. She then told my father about everything, and her determination was only treated by him as absurdity.He declined no matter how many times she asked, and in the end, she forcefully kidnapped to the pack. And when he was unwilling to bow his head after that, she threatened him with the life of his lover. He got married to her, and I was born. She was very controllin

  • Alpha Kieran    Oddly

    After leaving her in the room, Kieran turned his back on her, about to stride off when Serenity grabbed on to his wrist, stopping him. Raising one of his brows questioningly, he looked at her.“You are behaving quite oddly, Alpha. Is there anything going through your head?” Serenity voiced out her doubt.“It is a misunderstanding. Stay in this room until I get back. No matter how curious you get, don’t roam around. Also lock the doors and windows. Do not open it for anyone other than me,” Kieran instructed.Serenity released him and folded her arms over her chest. Then, bulging her cheeks, she stated, “You do not need to tell me all of that. I am not a child.”Thorn, furrowing her brows, she asked, “We will be sharing a room?”“In the eyes of the members of this pack, we are mates, and it would be better for you to show that we are a harmonious couple.”In their eyes?S

  • Alpha Kieran    Influence

    When the car stopped at the destination, Serenity woke up from the nap. A yawn left her mouth as she opened her eyes. She followed Kieran out of the car in a daze and found herself in front of another pack. The pack’s Alpha followed by few other members came out to greet the Alpha, and the Alpha exchanged a few words with them.Serenity had her head lowered, trying to fight off the sleepiness that was bugging her when she heard herself being addressed.“Is that the Luna? She is as beautiful as I heard,” expressed a friendly voice.Raising her head, Serenity saw that a younger male was smiling widely at her. Her questioning eyes made hum introduce him. “I am the Alpha’s son, Nathan. Nice to meet you, Luna.”Serenity nodded. “A pleasure indeed.”Kieran placed his hand around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him. Startled by his action, she raised one of her eyebrows at him. His low voice then fell

  • Alpha Kieran    Contact

    Enthusiasm was shown on the warrior wolves face after Serenity’s words. They have recently observed how distant and cold Serenity and Kieran had been. This in turn caused the Alpha to treat them worse. If bringing Serenity can ease the Alpha’s mood, they were willing to do anything for it.“That is great, Luna.”“Luna, you can take the car with the Alpha. We will follow along.”“Yeah, don’t worry. We will put in our best effort to protect you, Luna.”“We will not let a scratch come on you.”Confusion read on Serenity’s face.Were these the stoic members of Kieran’s face?What was up with those bright and hopeful eyes?Did they not think bringing her along would lower the efficiency of the task?Although Serenity was curious, she knew that it would not be appropriate for her to ask them now. Therefore, she nodded her head.Her eyes then f

  • Alpha Kieran    Surprising Decision

    Serenity’s eyes widened in alarm when Richard grabbed her hand and pulled her away in another direction. Unable to keep up with the pace, her feet dragged on the ground, leaving marks on the soil. There was visible pity in the eyes of those who saw her, and those who knew how she irritated the Beta the entire while shook their head.Serenity kept on incessantly interrupting the conversations Richard had with anyone whether with her small talks or obnoxious laughter’s.When Richard finally stopped and released her, Serenity raised her eyes to glare at her brother viciously. Her cheeks puffed up. “How can you drag me like that? No matter what, I am a delicate lady.”Richard sneered. “You are a delicate lady and a strong woman at your convenience. I can’t bear to take care of someone as great as you anymore. I rather pass off this task to someone who is more suitable.”“Pass me off to someone else?” Seren

  • Alpha Kieran    Throw Her Off

    Faced with the dressed up Serenity so early in the morning, Richard wondered she was up to. The bright smile on her face gave rise to bad feelings within him. He wanted to walk away from here, ignoring her, but her presence was too obvious for him to do so.“What do you want to do?” Richard asked with a frown.“Can you not look so grim? It bores me. Obviously, I am following you out,” Serenity expressed in a mtter of fact tone.Richard turned her down immediately. “Stay inside. Don’t cause trouble by going outside. I already have a lot of tasks to do.”“Obviously, I am not going to disturb you. I will follow you quietly, very quietly. You wouldn’t know that I am even here. And as a patient, staying all the time inside is not good for my health. Only by getting the fresh air outside can I recover better,” Serenity vocalized convincingly.“I think you will recover just fine by staying

  • Alpha Kieran    Worst Of The Consequences

    Because of her wounded shoulder, Serenity could not lift her arms well and do much tasks. Richard was responsible for preparing the meals. Serenity sat on the table, swinging her kegs as she imoatiently waited for her brother to bring the food.“Hurry up, Richard! I am going tp starve to death at this rate!” Serenity shouted.Richard shot his younger sister a look of dissatisfaction. Ever since the day she learned that she was his younger sister, it seemed that she had lost all of her reservatiom and respect towards him. It was common for her to raise her voice towards him and order him around. She often made trouble for him as if taking revenge for hiding his identity.Then, the corner of his lips curled up to a smile. Richard expressed, “The pace of my cooking depends on my mood. If I end up feeling upset, it might take you a week to receive the meal.”Not about to lose to him, Serenity arched up her eyebrow. There was a mischevi

  • Alpha Kieran    Values Freedom

    After a long time of waiting and trying, Serenity was finally able to get in comtect with her friend, Jane. The entire time her phone was out of service, and this made Serenity feel concerned.“Serenity, how are you doing? I jheard that you got really badly hurt. I am sorry. I should have warned you about it before,” Jane’s loud voice came from other side of the phone, laced with pure concern and panic.Serenity chuckled. “I still have hard time moving my shoulder, but other than that, I am fine. You should have seen how coolly I handled those werewolves. They should not be labeling me as a weak human anymore.”“It’s not you if you don’t joke about it,” Jane commented.“Is there any use of being so serious about it? Although it hurts, what matters is that I survived. What has been going on with you for so long? Are you doing fine? What about the pack? Did you all get hurt?” Serenity inquire

DMCA.com Protection Status