17

Leon’s POV

Tears threatened to fall, but I fought them back. My pain wasn’t just about the loss, but about feeling separated from something so precious. With the baby inside her, Ariane would always be a part of my life, no matter how we made it.

Maybe I didn’t have to forget Ariane completely; Maybe what I need to do is learn to let go in a healthier way. Accept that fate may have taken us on different paths, but the love is still there. A love that doesn’t fade, even when distance separates us.

With renewed determination, I try to imagine a future—not without Ariane, but as parents to our children. This is where I can find the strength to keep going, even though my heart still feels heavy.

“Mr. Leon?” Bree’s voice rings out softly, breaking the reverie that’s clouding my mind. “What’s wrong?” I ask, trying to distract myself from the thoughts swirling around inside me.

“I have to go now. I have something to do,” she replies in a serious, yet calm tone.

My heart clenches a little at her words. “Is there something urgent?” I ask, trying to make sense of the urgency of the situation. We’ve just planned a time to be together, and there’s nothing I want more right now than to share my burdens with my best friend.

“Well, there’s something I can’t wait to do,” Bree explains, looking at me for a moment before continuing. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, and of course, I’ll still be there to support you and Ariane.”

I nodded, though a pang of disappointment pricked my heart. “Okay, Bree. I understand. But don’t forget, I really appreciate all your help.”

“Of course. Feel free to call me if you need to talk or anything,” she replied. With a reassuring smile, Bree walked away, leaving me with my thoughts still unorganized.

Sometimes, I feel caught between hope and reality. However, I know that even though Bree has to go, her support will always be there. I went back into my mind, trying to piece together the threads of the decision I had to make, remembering that this was all for Ariane and our future.

“Yes, go! Do your best!” I said in a firm tone, trying to encourage Bree even though deep down, the emptiness was creeping up on me. Her departure made me feel like I had lost the only thing that was left between the chaos of my emotions.

After Bree left, silence immediately enveloped me, and I was trapped again in my daydream about Ariane. My life felt empty without her presence. Just a while ago, everything seemed brighter, but now it felt like there was an empty space that could never be filled. My hands and heart felt heavy as if every breath I took was a reminder of her departure.

Even though I had loved Isabella, it was nothing compared to what I felt for Ariane. Isabella was Ariane’s half-sister and the woman I loved, but that love felt like a distant shadow compared to the depth of the love I held for Ariane. With Isabella, there were touching memories, but it was never as strong as the love I felt for Ariane—a love that gave me everything, including two new souls who were about to be born.

Now, amidst the deep loss and longing, I understand that there is little I can do but dwell on these feelings. Maybe I need to find a way to deal with them—to use this pain as a bridge to the future of our two children. Ariane and her twins will always be a part of my life, and I have to learn to accept that, even if it’s hard.

Slowly, I take a breath, trying to sort out my swirling thoughts and preparing myself for the days ahead. Sometimes loving someone means allowing yourself to feel all the feelings that come—even the hardest ones.

Ariane’s POV

I stood in front of an empty house, the atmosphere around Black Moon Pack felt calmer and more peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of the city I usually live in. Here, in the middle of the forest and away from the crowds, I felt a little bit of the peace that I had longed for.

Life in the city often makes me trapped in a hustle and bustle that drains my energy and mind. Every street corner, every sound, and every crowd of people makes me feel alienated; while here, I can listen to the sounds of nature and feel a peace that touches the soul. The coolness of the fresh air envelops me, giving me the comfort I had hoped for when facing this new journey.

The respect and peace that I had taken for granted in this place made me more able to focus on the twins in my womb. Every beat of their hearts, every little movement, it felt like it brought new hope into my life. Amidst all the changes and losses I had faced, they were the reason to keep going, to hope, and to create a better future.

I stepped into the empty house, imagining how this place could be a home for us. Maybe this place could be a new nest for my babies, a place where love and warmth could grow without the distractions of the outside world. Here, I could prepare myself—both physically and emotionally—to be a parent and give them the love they deserve.

With hope flowing, I felt a little stronger, a little braver for the journey ahead. Though there was still much to face, at least I knew that at Black Moon Pack, I had a space to return to myself and the children growing inside me.

“Luna Ariane, I invite you to share a meal with me at home,” Regina, my home’s omega, said with a warm, sincere smile. Her voice was soft, indicating her deep concern and respect for me.