After Luna Vivian's passing, life had remained unchanged.
Barduff Castle existed now as a sombre memorial to the loss of hope following the death of Luna VivianSince . Throughout the corridors the servants traversed with soft voices and soft footfalls which seemed to avoid awakening the sad atmosphere suffusing the air. Fresh flowers which the Luna herself used to arrange regularly were replaced with torchlight shadows that painted the walls.
Since her disaster transported her to that fatal night at Barduff Castle Leah Odwolf did not find sleep.
She spent her time quietly caring for Serafina through gentle hair stroking as the girl slept. While asleep the child tightened her hold on Leah's dress with her small hands like holding onto everything she had left of her prior existence.
Leah understood. She had provided support to Serafina as she cried by both soothing her while enduring her own broken heart. Leah was the person who used to sing Serafina to sleep during the times when nightmares chased the borders of Serafina's distressed consciousness. Since her mother's funeral the child spoke minimally to no one yet kept all her words for Leah alone.
Not even to her father.
Leah switched her attention to the candle on the bedside table that was blurring its light. Each drop of wax fell one by one forming a constant count of time passing.
The man whom others knew as Alpha Jacob Barduff existed now as a pale reflection of his former self.
Jacob experienced the deepest agony after losing his mate since both the pack and he grieved their Luna. Days after her death he kept himself confined within his private rooms until he needed to leave them then appeared with a power that seemed weakened forever. The sharpness in his eyes had transformed into a haunted gaze which starred away into distant spaces.
Leah witnessed him standing on the highest balcony of the castle while he gazed at the river where Vivian had drowned. She desired contact to express anything but she lacked the proper words to help him heal from losing his mate.
Leah broke out of her deep thoughts when she heard a gentle knock upon the door. She looked up as Beta Paul Lyall stepped through the heavy creaking door made of wood.
Extended periods of distress had washed away the normal vigour from his face while leaving deep lines across his features.
The Beta looked at Serafina as he quietly inquired about her condition.
Leah sighed. "She finally slept. But it's restless."
Paul nodded. "The Alpha needs to have a word with you."
Leah's brows lifted in surprise. After the funeral Jacob had remained completely silent toward her. She never foresaw him calling her for any reason since their friendship decreased in distance.
She nodded but took care to untangle Serafina's fingers from her dress. The girl moved slightly but stayed asleep. The tears had worn her down until she finally fell asleep.
After tucking the blankets over Serafina to keep her warm Leah got up to walk out with Paul.
Jacob's study lay before us on a path blanketed by complete quiet. The expression on Paul's face remained blank yet Leah felt the heaviness he carried. Jacob's best friend stood helplessly by the Alpha's side while guiding him through this challenging period.
Paul opened the study door with no spell and motioned Leah inside before resuming his position against the wall.
Jacob faced the fireplace with his broad physique while revealing tense shoulders through his stance. The dancing firelight exposed a chaotic room where papers disordered the desk and an overturned glass rested on the table alongside aromatic but untouched food.
Leah paused because she wasn't certain which of them should start the conversation. Jacob quickly rotated before she could decide what to do.
The harsh lines on his face and the telltale weariness under his eyes showed he had lost countless nights of sleep. A previously reserved facial expression now revealed unrecognisable underlying emotions and uncontrolled inner feelings.
He spoke in a rough tone to say "Leah Ineed to discuss something with you."
Leah swallowed. "Of course Alpha,you can tell me anything"
He clenched his jaw with unease at her formal address yet he chose not to call her out on it. He released a deep breath as he combed his fingers through his hair.
"The elders have raised their concern for me to acquire another mate".
Leah's breath caught. The words felt like a strike to her chest, though she knew this moment would come. The pack elders had been whispering about it since Vivian's funeral. A pack without a Luna was vulnerable, and Jacob needed to show strength.
But Leah had not expected him to say it to her.
"I see," she murmured, her fingers curling at her sides.
Jacob's gaze sharpened, searching hers. "Serafina suggested it be you."
Leah's heart pounded.
For a moment, she forgot how to breathe.
"Me?" she echoed, barely above a whisper.
Jacob's expression was unreadable. "She refuses to eat, to speak to anyone but you. She says you are already her mother." His voice dropped, filled with something she couldn't quite name. "She says you should be my mate."
Leah's pulse roared in her ears. Serafina's innocent plea from days ago now made sense. The little girl, in her grief, had latched onto the only constant in her life.
And she had no idea what she was asking.
"I love Serafina," Leah said softly, "more than anything. But I am an Omega Alpha."
Jacob's eyes darkened, a muscle in his jaw ticking.
"I know," he said, his tone unreadable. "Which is why it can't happen."
Leah exhaled slowly, the air in her lungs feeling too tight.
"But I needed you to know," Jacob continued, his voice dropping lower, almost hesitant. "Because when she said it, I didn't dismiss it immediately."
Leah's breath faltered.
Jacob observed her using a non expressive facial expression before returning to tend the fire. The conversation was over.
Leah lowered her head as she tried to calm her speeding heartbeat before departing.
When she walked into the doorway she kept feeling that their dynamic had changed somehow.
The uncertain future made her question her readiness for the upcoming change.