HAPPY SAD BIRTHDAY.

Chapter: 66

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ALTAIR:

As we descended the staircase, the sounds of laughter and music grew louder, wrapping around us like a warm embrace. The flickering glow of candles illuminated the lively scene below, casting playful shadows against the walls. I could see friends and family mingling, their faces bright with joy, but my heart felt heavy with the absence of my half, and Talon.

Bernie squeezed my hand, pulling me back to the moment. “You ready?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I nodded, though uncertainty still lingered in my chest. As we stepped into the vibrant atmosphere, a chorus of voices rose to greet me. “Happy Birthday, Altair!” they shouted in unison, their cheerful faces beaming up at me.

I managed a smile, the energy of the crowd washing over me like a wave. My parents stood by the buffet table, my Birth Omega’s eyes alight with pride, while my father Seth clapped me on the shoulder, his hearty laugh echoing in my ears. “Eighteen! Can you beli